Security upped before parliamentary poll

Russia tightened security at polling booths, train stations and markets yesterday ahead of elections overshadowed by a commuter-train bombing which killed at least 42 people near rebel Chechnya. President Vladimir Putin's party, running on a strong law and order platform, is expected to make gains in today's poll due to a weak and divided opposition, but it was unclear if the attack in southern Russia would affect voting patterns.

Many analysts have said politicians feared low levels of turnout in the former Soviet state of 145 million people, after colourless campaigning has failed to catch imaginations. The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, a human rights body grouping 55 member states, said pre-election campaigning was marred by pro-Kremlin bias in the media - particularly across state-owned television.

At least 150 people were also wounded when Friday's suspected suicide bombing ripped through the packed train in southern Russia. Justice Minister Yuri Chaika pointed the finger at Chechen separatist guerrillas, but they denied involvement. Yesterday investigators combed the area for clues to who was behind the attack as officials boosted security.

Russia's election chief said "unprecedented measures" would be taken to ensure every Russian could cast their vote.

The election, in which voting starts first in the farthest east of Russia's 11 time zones, is seen as a popularity test for Putin who will face a presidential poll next March. The former KGB spy hopes to gain his first majority in the chamber. His United Russia Party is expected to make gains, despite what many predict will be a lower turnout. But analysts were not certain Friday's attack would affect the poll where Chechnya, far from Moscow, has not been a key issue. Instead Putin's allies have campaigned on his growing world standing while opponents criticised him for an increasingly "autocratic" style.

Friday's explosion killed students and workers in Russia's north Caucasus region. A local Emergencies Ministry official said a 42nd victim died overnight, a 16-year-old girl. It reminded Russians that Putin, despite tough talk, has yet to rein in separatist guerillas in nearby Chechnya.