BEIJING, March 1 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is telling Russians to make their own, independent choice in Sunday's presidential election. Now security has been stepped up across the country.

During a televised address, Putin urged all Russians to turn out on Sunday to vote for Russia's future.

Vladimir Putin, Russian President said "Dear friends, we are all well aware how big the role and responsibility of the head of such a state as Russia is, how important citizens' trust is for him and how necessary it is for efficient and steady work as president, for stability in the country. That is why every vote and the opinion of each one of you will be important on March 2nd. I ask you to go to the polling stations on Sunday and vote for our future, for the future of Russia."

Four candidates are vying for the highest post in the country, including First Deputy Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev.

Putin is barred from a third consecutive term according to the Russian constitution.

He backs Medvedev as his successor and said he will take the post as prime minister if Medvedev wins the presidency.

Voting is scheduled to start from 8 am to 8 pm local time on Sunday. The results are expected to be released on Sunday at around midnight.

The Central Election Commission has set up a media center, covering all the latest information from the presidential election. There is also a hotline to deal with questions from voters.

About 96,000 polling stations have been set up across the country. And more than 45,000 police have been deployed nationwide to maintain order.

(Source: CCTV.com)