MOSCOW, February 24 - RAPSI. The Supreme Commercial Court has held against human rights activist Alexander Podrezov who sought to revoke the government's order to equip all ballot stations with surveillance cameras in an apparent move to ensure fair and transparent presidential election, the Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI/rapsinews.com) reports from the courtroom.

The court upheld the Central Election Committee's resolution to install the cameras.

Podrezov also challenged the government's December 30, 2011 order to authorize various governmental bodies with functions related to the video surveillance.

The plaintiff disagreed with the order, stating that the surveillance would cost taxpayers 13 billion rubles ($436.7 million).

Podrezov maintained in his lawsuit that neither the Central Election Committee nor ballot stations are authorized to exercise such surveillance.

The court read the operative part of the decision on Friday. As soon as the entire decision is issued, Podrezov will be able to file an appeal with a higher court and then with the international courts.