United Russia is ‘increasingly examining how it can emulate the Chinese Communist Party[‘s…] ability to use a one-party system to keep tight control over the country while still driving significant economic growth,‘ says the New York Times, alleging that the two parties held a secret how-to meeting this month.  ‘Even routine domestic economic decisions in Russia are increasingly made with a consideration for China,‘ adds the Moscow Times.  Communist Party activists demonstrated against alleged violations in recent nationwide elections outside Vladimir Putin’s Tver residence over the weekend. The Kremlin’s political chief, Vladislav Surkov, has told ruling party activists ‘not to be ashamed‘ of their ‘well deserved‘ victory (‘another phony, Soviet-style election,‘ says the Washington Post; a ‘mockery‘ of democracy, says Gorbachev).  Yabloko leader Sergei Mitrokhin’s vote was not counted at Moscow Polling Station No. 192, his party alleges.  News that Russia’s two remaining private TV channels (REN TV and St Petersburg’s Fifth Channel) are to come under state control next year has sparked angry responses.  ‘Russians won’t be able to find alternative views to state propaganda. We are returning to the Soviet regime and Soviet model,‘ according to one journalist.