President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia has criticised his own party for failing to win elections fairly.

Addressing United Russia's annual party congress, President Medvedev urged some 600 delegates to respect "democratic procedures" in future elections. Recent local and regional elections, which were swept by United Russia, were heavily criticised. Opponents said the poll was marred by widespread fraud. They also said opposition politicians were intimidated and unjustly excluded from running.

President Medvedev addressing the party congress (Photo: EPA)