A public survey has revealed that despite several rallies held by the opposition, Russia's Prime Minister and presidential candidate Vladimir Putin's approval ratings are steadily on the rise. Latest analysis data shows that his support rates have increased to more than 50 percent compared with 37 percent in Dec. 2011.

Russian Prime Minister and presidential candidate Vladimir Putin speaks during his meeting with his campaign activists in Moscow on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012.??

On February 4th, more than 30,000 people joined in the "Anti-Putin" gatherings in Russia's capital city Moscow, and on the same day, around 140,000 of Putin's supporters staged their own demonstration.

On February 23rd, 130,000 Putin adherents held another gathering in a Stadium in Moscow. Both sides seem quite adamant about their beliefs.

Oleg Petrov, a Russian citizen, said:" I think (Zyuganov) is no doubt the best candidate for president. He will make politics better; make everything go where they should go, and push things step by step."

While, another citizen said:" I am for Vladimir (Putin), because he is the real man, the real leader, and he has already done a lot for the country."

Meanwhile the survey conducted on Feb. 17-20 by the Levada Center, one of Russia's major poll agencies, showed that as much as 66 percent backed Putin, while 15 percent stood behind Gennady Zyuganov, chairman of the Central Committee of Communist Party of the Russian Federation, and less than 10 percent for each of the other three candidates.

Mr. Dubin, the director of Social and Pol. Research Dept., Levada Center, said:" Putin has advantages that the other candidates lack. First, he already serves in a high governmental position, and this is very important for Russian people. Next, (If he wins this election) it wouldn’t be the first time for him to be elected as a president, so he has rich (presidency) experience, which is also very important to the Russian people. Thirdly, Putin is known to be very active and flexible. He has made inspection tours all across Russia, planning to help his people."

Although many people believe Putin can bring stability to the country, nowadays Russia's internal challenges are different from those in the 2000-2008 period when Putin held the presidency. Citizens expect the next president to make new changes in a series area for Russia's future.

Mr. Dubin also said:" Nobody but Putin among the candidates is capable of meeting the contemporary challenges in Russia. Public concerns include farmers' properties, poor social welfare, high inflation, severe corruption among government officials, and high crime rates, as well as housing problems faced by the youth population".

Changed situations and new demands for the new Russian Leader are both part on the new political landscape. Whether Putin will win a majority and start his next term, we'll have to wait till March 4th to see.

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