Putin calls on Russians to vote in elections, make considered, responsible decision

MOSCOW. Sept 16 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on Russians to certainly vote in the upcoming elections, noting that it would be a collective response to all those seeking to weaken Russia.

"Dear friends, the voting will take place over three days, on September 18-20. I urge you to exercise your constitutional right and make a considered and responsible decision to ensure that the results of the elections confirm that the Russian society is mature and resilient," Putin said in his televised address to the nation in light of the upcoming general parliamentary elections.

This would be a "collective response to those who seek to weaken Russia, hinder its development and deprive us of our sovereignty and the right to independently determine our own destiny," he said.

"The participation in the election is our common contribution to Russia's victory," he said.

"Your choice and will are going to indicate once again that there are millions of people behind our troops and that we are a consolidated nation united by our common goals, historical memory, and love for our Motherland. And that no one will succeed in dividing and intimidating us and undermining our statehood and socio-political system," Putin said.