Authorities coerce Russian voters: civic groups

By James Kilner

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian authorities are using coercion to persuade people to vote in Sunday's presidential election, a coalition of civil society groups said on Thursday.

President Vladimir Putin's preferred candidate, Dmitry Medvedev, is expected to win Sunday's vote, described by the opposition as unfair and one-sided, by a wide margin.

Germany-based Transparency International and two Russian civic groups compared the election to a virtual coronation of Putin's protege.

"This is not an election where people elect, it's not a matter of choice," said Yelena Pamfilova, head of Transparency International in Russia. "Everything has been pre-decided."

Putin's endorsement effectively ensured Medvedev's win against weaker rivals, critics say. Opposition challengers have either been denied registration or refused to run in protest.

"I'm quite sure the Kremlin is using what it calls the verticals (of power), working through the regional governors and mayors," said Viktor Vakhshtain of the independent Russian observation group Golos.

"They will talk to the heads of hospitals and schools and other civil groups to make sure they pass on the message to their doctors, nurses and teachers that if they don't vote for the right person they may not have a job in a few months."

Officials have denied the election is biased. Many Russians credit Putin's government for restoring national pride and wealth after the chaotic post-Soviet 1990s.