Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who is seeking a third presidential term, continued his campaign Tuesday while the opposition held another round of protests against his candidacy.

Demonstrators of the opposition “The Other Russia” group shouted anti-Putin slogans, such as “We will stop the dictatorship!'' and “Russia will be free!”

They also distributed pamphlets saying “12 more years? Thank you, no!” before police moved in and drove them away. Russians have been holding protests since after December parliamentary elections. The opposition has accused the ruling party of fraud.

Mr. Putin on Tuesday met with his campaign representatives and answered questions from an audience in the convention hall. He said he will not automatically dismiss campaign officials who have been accused of wrongdoing.

“It's not that I'm holding onto someone or because I have a set up not to betray my own. In general it's bad to betray your own, I wouldn't advise anyone (to do this) at all – you'd end up completely on your own. But that's not the point. The point is that, my work experience says that of course, you can cover your own beloved self when people are critical about something – a personnel reshuffle (makes noise to indicate reshuffle) 'Oh I'm fine, I've kicked everyone out.' But that's not honest in relation to those people in particular, who are expecting a result.''

Russia's Central Election Commission Chairman Vladimir Churov sought to reassure voters that a series of measures will ensure fair and transparent elections. He demonstrated how the voting process can be recorded by cameras and said see-through and web cameras will be installed in polling stations throughout the country.

“For us it's very important that the raised level of transparency, which will be provided during the voting on March 4, will be used by you and will be brought to the attention of voters.''

Churov's role in the December vote has been scrutinized and some protesters have demanded his resignation.

Mr. Putin served as president for two terms between 2000 and 2008 before becoming prime minister. Since then, Russia has extended presidential mandate to six years, which means that he could remain in office 12 more years if re-elected two more times.

Tuesday's protests took place after mass protests Saturday in which tens of thousands rallied against the prime minister, but more than 100,000 also braved the cold to support him.