Russia ex-PM says Putin legacy hangs on fair vote

By Christian Lowe

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin must make sure next year's election to choose his successor is fair if he wants to leave a legacy that people will respect, former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov told Reuters.

Just over two months before the March 2 presidential vote, critics allege Putin will exploit his power and control over the biggest media outlets to ensure victory for Dmitry Medvedev, the man he endorsed to replace him.

Kasyanov worked alongside Putin until he was sacked in 2004 and is now planning to run for president on an opposition ticket. He said that for all Putin's anti-Western rhetoric, the Russian leader craved respect and acceptance abroad.

"We believe that President Putin and his close friends should think about their future," the 50-year-old Kasyanov said in an interview late on Wednesday. "They would like to be respected by Russian citizens and democratic friends abroad.

"For Putin it is much better to depart and to demonstrate that he is .. (holding) free and fair elections."

"In this case he could retain this respect he is dreaming about. Otherwise, I don't believe foreign leaders will shake his hand," said Kasyanov.

The popular Putin has to step down in line with a constitutional ban on heads of state serving three consecutive terms. His endorsement means Medvedev is almost certain to win.

Putin has said he is ready to serve as prime minister under a Medvedev administration, an arrangement welcomed by many Russians and investors who associate Putin -- named this week by Time magazine as its man of the year -- with stability.