Russians to vote for a new president but keep the old one

By Christian Lowe

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian voters will hand Dmitry Medvedev victory in a one-sided presidential election on Sunday, a choice that should ensure his mentor President Vladimir Putin stays on as the power behind the throne.

The Kremlin's opponents say voters have been denied a real choice because the biggest television stations slant their coverage in Medvedev's favor while election officials have barred some opposition challengers from running.

But the country is enjoying its longest economic boom in a generation -- fuelled by record prices for oil and gas -- and most people see the double act of Putin and Medvedev as the best hope of prolonging their new-found prosperity.

"If I am entrusted with leading the state I will simply be obliged to continue the policies ... of President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin," Medvedev said. "I hope if we continue to work in this format, as a pair, it will benefit our country."

Putin is constitutionally barred from running for a third consecutive term. He endorsed Medvedev to replace him and has said he is ready to serve next as prime minister.

Most observers say that means the centre of power will shift from the Kremlin to Putin's new office in the White House government headquarters, a short trip down the Moskva river.

Eyewitnesses told Reuters the lavatories on the White House's fifth floor, where the prime minister has his office, are already being refurbished.

"Putin is going to remain the main guy," said Chris Weafer, chief strategist with Uralsib bank.