CAMPAIGN COMMERCIAL VIDEOS

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Early in March, Vladimir Putin said Russia's presidential candidates should "prove they are capable through actions." He then compared political campaigning on television to advertising household products.

Putin, Russia's acting president since January 1 and the front-runner in the March 26 contest, said he is not going to bother with televised campaign commercials. But all Russian presidential candidates are given free time on national television to get their viewpoints across.

Given Russia's sprawling landmass, television has become an essential tool for the government and the media.

Here are some examples of Russian presidential candidate commercials

Ella Pamfilova

Pamfilova addresses the camera and comments on how Russia must use all its resources -- including the oil industry -- to progress.

Quicktime

Alexey Podberyozkin

"I promise free education, a bright future for your children." He compares Russia to the rich Middle East oil nations. They are so rich, he says, why are we so poor.

Quicktime

Yuri Skuratov

Skuratov addresses the camera: "If you're not satisfied with the country Yeltsin left us, don't vote for his heir." The slogan at the end says, "Power under control of the law."

Quicktime

Konstantin Titov

"He was able to take the Samara region from crisis," says the voice-over. The commercial adds that Titov has paid pensions on time, that the 3.5 million Russians who live in Samara are now living better. "He did it in Samara," it continues, "he'll do it in Russia."

Quicktime

Aman Tuleyev

Shows a montage of workers. "They don't speak big words," says the voice-over, "they don't talk about Russian destiny. They don't have idols. Life taught them to trust no one, to trust plain talk -- OURS."

Quicktime

Grigory Yavlinsky

Doctors look over a patient on an operating table. "Do you recognize him?" asks the voice-over. "Would you trust your baby to a stranger? Trust the person you know." The slogan with Yavlinsky says, "Wisdom, Will, Results."

Quicktime

Vladimir Zhirinovsky

Zhirinovsky muses: "I know how to defend our children. Think of these phrases: child prostitution, child drug abuse, infant mortality rates. It can't leave you indifferent. Children need to be protected."

Quicktime

Gennady Zuyuganov

Russian Communists address camera: "We'll restore industry, the economy, give new life to the country. We'll strengthen the military, restore free education. With Zyuganov, our lives will be better again."

Quicktime

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