Russians protest 'stupid' government

Russians say they will assemble in a massive demonstration against alleged voter fraud and a system one government official described as "corrupt" and "stupid." Tens of thousands of Russians have pledged over social networks to assemble in Moscow Saturday in the second mass protest following the Dec. 10 rally, the Russian news agency, RIA Novosti reported Friday. The demonstrators contend the main issue is voter fraud in a system that needs reform, as evidenced by the Dec. 4 parliamentary elections won by Vladimir Putin's United Russia party in an election alleged to be riddled by cheating. The protesters want the elections done over again, the news agency said. Outgoing President Dmitry Medvedev and other top authorities have promised there will be investigations of reported violations with infractions punished, but they've shown no enthusiasm for new elections. A top architect of Russia's current political structure under Putin and Medvedev described that system as "stupid", "corrupt" and respected by even politicians, RIA Novosti said. "The best part of our society, or let's say its most productive part, demands respect," Vladimir Surkov, first deputy head of the presidential administration said. In his farewell state of the nation address Thursday, Medvedev proposed far-reaching changes to Russia's political electoral arrangement, including direct, popular election of regional governors and simplified criteria allowing political parties to register and take part in national politics. Some opposition activists have dismissed Medvedev's proposals as a ruse to distract and divide the vote protesters, the news agency said.