(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-10-02 08:28

Moscow -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday suggestions he could head a future government as a prime minister were "realistic".

At a congress of the main pro-Kremlin force, United Russia, he also announced he would head the party's list for December parliamentary elections, guaranteeing him a place in the State Duma.

"As far as heading the government is concerned, this is a quite realistic suggestion but it is still too early to think about it," Putin said to thunderous applause.

"Two conditions must be met first. United Russia must win the election and a decent, capable and modern person with whom I work as a team should be elected president," he said from a stage decked out in Russia's national colors, red, white and blue.

All polls published so far give United Russia, whose campaign slogan is "Putin's Plan -- Victory For Russia," a huge lead for December's vote, with at least 50 percent.

Putin made clear United Russia was the country's key political force and called on delegates to "win in an honest fight," ending speculation he might promote a two-party system by dividing his loyalties between two pro-Kremlin parties.

"United Russia has become a consolidating part of the whole Russian society, a force that maintains political stability and the realization of our social and economic programs," Putin said.

Putin has not yet indicated whom he will back as his successor. Speculation has centered on first deputy prime ministers Dmitry Medvedev and Sergei Ivanov, newly appointed Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov and a host of lesser figures.

Commenting on a suggestion he should head the United Russia party list for the December Duma elections, Putin said to a standing ovation: "I accept your proposal with gratitude."

The head of United Russia's central committee, Andrei Vorobyov, said Putin's decision to head the list meant the party would secure an "unconditional victory."

Putin's second term as president ends next year and he is barred from running for a third consecutive term by the constitution, something he has repeatedly ruled out changing.