In Russia, hundreds took part in a rally in central Moscow to support the Communist Party candidate for president, Pavel Grudinin. Grudinin told supporters authorities are threatened by his candidacy and the public's desire for what he describes as a "brighter future." Elections will take place next week, and polls show Grudinin in second place, trailing way behind President Vladimir Putin. Grudinin is the Russian Communist Party's first new nominee in 14 years. The party hopes to broaden its appeal from its traditional base of aging voters nostalgic for the Soviet Union.