Medvedev and Putin run neck and neck, shows poll

Real power in Russia is in the hands of President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in equal proportions, half of the people polled by the Levada Center believe.

In a nation-wide poll taken on July 23-26 13% said power is in Medvedev's hands, 28% in Putin's hands and 9% were undecided, according to Kiyev Post.

The overwhelming majority (72%) believes that Medvedev as president generally continues the policy of his predecessor. Meanwhile, 15% think Medvedev is gradually changing the political course and 5% thinks he pursues an absolutely new policy.

If presidential elections were held next Sunday, 27% would cast their ballots for Putin (28% in 2009) and 20% for Medvedev (17% a year ago).

Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov and Liberal Democratic leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky are far behind with 4% and 3% respectively.

The same as a year ago 45% said they had not decided whom to choose, would not go to polling stations or were undecided whether to vote or not.