Billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov pledged to launch sweeping reforms in many spheres if he is elected Russian president at the March 4 elections, in a manifesto published on Thursday.
The tycoon announced he would run for president in early December. This decision pits Prokhorov against Russia’s powerful Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, generally considered a shoo-in for another presidential term. Prokhorov must now collect two million signatures to get on the ballot.
Prokhorov’s election manifesto posted on his website, says if he becomes president he will declare human rights, freedoms and democracy as Russia's key values and make protection of private property the state’s priority.
The tycoon said he would restrict the presidential time in office to 10 years, restore direct elections for regional governors, reduce the party election threshold to 3 percent, ensure fair elections and ban absentee ballots. He said he would toughen criminal responsibility for election irregularities.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's United Russia won the December 4 parliamentary elections, which critics and independent observers said were slanted in favor of the ruling party. Thousands went out to protest against the results they claimed had been rigged.
The authorities have pledged to investigate all violations but denied that alleged ballot stuffing could have significantly changed the vote results.
Prokhorov’s election agenda also includes an amnesty for those convicted of economic crimes. He also promised to campaign against monopolies and price collusion, and lead a crusade against corruption in the law enforcement and judicial systems.
His agenda also includes measures to reduce administrative pressure on the courts.
The businessman called for more investment in culture, education and healthcare; scrapping Russia's federal districts and enlargement of its regions; land and army reforms, and European integration.
