Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev vowed Tuesday to keep combating corruption, pursing political reforms and modernizing the economy even as he shifts into the prime minister's job.

Medvedev had agreed to step down after one term to allow his longtime mentor Vladimir Putin to reclaim the presidency in March's election. The swap was widely seen as a show of contempt for democracy, fueling a wave of unprecedented protests before the vote.

Medvedev had raised hopes for liberal reforms after winning the presidency in 2008, but achieved little, largely staying in Putin's shadow, who continued calling the shots as prime minister.

In Tuesday's speech before the State Council, Medvedev repeated his mantra that "freedom is better than non-freedom" and promised to follow through on a political reform designed by the Kremlin in response to protests by tens of thousands demanding an end to Putin's rule.

The reform envisages restoring direct elections of provincial governors, easing registration requirements for political parties and liberalizing election rules.

Medvedev said the reforms reflects a "higher level of political culture" and demonstrates that "democratic prospects have been secured."

Parliament on Tuesday voted in favor of the gubernatorial elections bill. The final reading is Wednesday and no significant changes are expected.

In 2004, then-President Vladimir Putin scrapped such elections, saying it was necessary to keep criminals out of government.

Opposition members initially welcomed the reform, but lambasted the bill when Medvedev suggested it include a pre-vote selection process.

The bill allows the president to hold unspecified "consultations" with the parties nominating candidates for the vote or the candidates themselves. The gubernatorial hopefuls will also have to receive formal backing from 5 to 10 percent of local legislatures.

Opposition members say a selection process could let the Kremlin block any candidate it dislikes.

Medvedev said a fight against corruption would remain a top priority for his Cabinet, pledging to seek a greater public feedback. Continued...