Even as he reiterates his commitment to democracy, either he is lying or does not know the definition. The pro-Putin Duma is expected to pass legislation that would further restrict qualifications for parties entering the legislature.

Russian MPs have approved a crucial second reading of a controversial law which could increase the Kremlin’s control over parliament.

The bill, which is expected to be adopted, would change the way parliamentary deputies are elected.

Members of the lower house, the Duma, would be chosen by proportional representation, with parties needing 7% of the vote to get seats.

Critics say it will be almost impossible for liberals to be elected.

Correspondents say such candidates attract only a small number of votes, but they are seen as important for the development of democracy in Russia.

Those supporting the move say it is based on the model used in the world’s leading democracies.

President Vladimir Putin says the changes, which will apply to the 2007 elections if approved, are needed to strengthen Russian statehood.

The bill was passed by 335 votes to 96, with deputies from the Communist Party and their nationalist allies, Motherland, voting against.

It will now go to a third reading, before being considered by the upper house, the Federation Council. Mr Putin is then expected to sign it into law.

Under the current system, half of the 450 members come from parties which gain more than 5% of the vote, while the other half are elected in single-mandate constituencies under a first-past-the-post system.

In the December 2003 vote, only four parties crossed the 5% barrier, and the two main liberal parties, the Union of Right Forces and Yabloko, failed to do so.

However, they were able to elect some individual representatives, and under the new system this would be denied them.

Small parties would also be banned from forming alliances to overcome the threshold.

Communist leader Gennady Zyuganov cried foul.

“Why is this law needed?” he said. “It stacks all the cards in favour of the ruling party.”

That it does. It’s bad enough that the liberal parties weren’t allowed to claim any seats, but now whatever opposition left is being stamped out. Tell me again why we should take Putin at his word?