(ANSA) - MOSCOW, June 19 - Putin's "United Russia" party will hold its congress today before the parliamentary elections scheduled for September. The event, during which the party candidates will be designated and the electoral program will be outlined, takes place at a time when the Russian authorities are accused of having tightened the repression against the opposition.
Putin's number one opponent, Alexiei Navalny, is in prison for reasons deemed to be of a political nature and his organizations have been branded as "extremist" by a Moscow court, while Putin has signed a law banning members and sponsors of defined groups " extremists "to run for elections.
United Russia's popularity has declined in recent years, also in the wake of economic stagnation. According to a recent survey by the state polling center Vtsiom, 30% of voters support Putin's party.
However, the Kremlin leader's rating is higher and, according to Vtsiom, is around 61.5%. Putin should intervene during the party congress. (HANDLE).