Hilary Clinton: Give Russian people inquiry into 'rigged' election

The Russian people deserve a "full investigation" over claims that their parliamentary election was rigged, Hillary Clinton said today.

The US secretary of state criticised the polls, in which prime minister Vladimir Putin's United Russia party suffered losses but still managed to win with just under half of the vote.

International observers have said the result was tainted by limited political competition and reports of fraud, including ballot-box-stuffing.

Speaking last night in Lithuania to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which supplied some of the monitors, Ms Clinton said: "Russian voters deserve a full investigation of electoral fraud and manipulation." Russia's top diplomat was also at the meeting in capital Vilnius.

She also spoke on Egypt's election, addressing fears about Islamist parties who are winning the most votes.

Ms Clinton, on a five-day visit to Europe, said: "Transitions require fair and inclusive elections, but they also demand the embrace of democratic norms. We expect all democratic actors to uphold universal human rights, including women's rights, [and] to allow free religious practice."

Yesterday she met members of the Syrian opposition in Geneva.