Medvedev, left, has chosen not to take part in televised debates [AFP]
Dmitry Medvedev, an ally of Vladimir Putin, the current president, is commemorating the second world war as campaigning starts for March 2 elections.
Medvedev, 42, joined the commemorations of the Battle of Stalingrad on Saturday, continuing a highly publicised tour of Russia he is carrying out as deputy prime minister.
Campaigning for the presidential race started officially one month ahead of the poll, but there was little sign of activity in what looks set to be lukewarm campaigning.
An election commission spokeswoman said state television would begin free-of-charge campaign broadcasts and debates on Monday.
Medvedev has chosen not to participate in the TV debates. As Putin's favoured candidate, he is expected by analysts to receive blanket coverage elsewhere.
I think his campaigning will be pretty inexpensive. The only real competition isn't allowed to run. Of course, that's no guarantee. Missouri elected a dead man to the senate after his opponent stopped in respect for the deceased.
In Russia, the power of position still out-weighs the power of speech or the power of money. Once the last two are given a place in the free market, the first will have to take its place.
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