Putin, Medvedev Discuss Elections & Zyuganov's Results

(4 Dec 2011)
1. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin entering news conference at United Russia party headquarters
2. Mid of cameraman
3. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Dmitry Medvedev, Russian President:
"Democracy is in action. The party had a good showing, the party in fact represents 50 percent of our population, but the final numbers will be determined (later). But at the same time it is the result of real democracy which is in action, no matter what is said."
4. Wide of Medvedev and Putin on stage speaking
5. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister:
"No doubt, we can ensure the stable development of the country with this result. Many thanks to everybody who favoured this result."
6. Mid of Medvedev and Putin congratulating United Russia party members and shaking hands with them
7. Wide of Vladimir Churov, head of Central Election Commission, entering news conference
8. Digital screen showing election results: Just Russia 12,89 percent, Liberal-Democratic party 12,18 percent, Patriots of Russia 0,97 percent, Communist party 19.69 percent, Yabloko 2,59 percent, United Russia 49,70 percent, Just Cause 0,55 percent
9. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Churov, head of Central Election Commission:
"For now, we counted 52.5 percent of ballots and that, according to this table, is almost 40 percent of all voters who took part in voting yesterday."
10. Wide of briefing room and digital screens showing results
11. Close up of digital screen showing results
12. Mid of media briefing by the leadership of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation
13. Close of leader of Russian revolution Vladimir Lenin on red flag
14. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Gennady Zyuganov, leader of Russian Communist Party:
"The citizens of the country have turned away from the course that's been followed by the ruling party. Despite the attempts to divide public opinion, the country has refused to support United Russia, and in fact they are suffering a defeat in practically every city in the country. If we save the votes until the morning, you'll see the actual results."
15. Mid of audience and journalists
16. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Gennady Zyuganov, leader of Russian Communist Party:
"Those in power are in despair and are trying to carry out, not elections, but dirty cooking. The people have denied them credibility, and now we'll have a qualitatively new political combination in the Duma. I don't think the record which has been set in the amount of dirt will adorn the Presidential elections, but it will more probably debase them. Illegitimate authorities in a crisis situation are a threat to practically everyone."
17. Wide of media briefing ending, Communist leaders leaving room
STORYLINE:
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's party was struggling to reach 50 percent of the vote in Russia's parliamentary election, according to polls and partial results on Sunday, suggesting Russians were growing weary of the man who has dominated Russian politics for more than a decade.
Opposition parties and election monitors said that even the votes gained by the United Party may be inflated, alleging ballot-stuffing and other significant violations.
Putin wanted to see his United Russia party do well in the election as a sign of public support for his return to the presidency in a vote now three months away - one that he is still expected to win easily.
Putting a positive spin on the disappointing returns, Putin said, "We can ensure the stable development of the country with this result."
But he appeared glum and limited his remarks to two sentences at party headquarters.

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