MOSCOW, Feb 4 (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin, whose crushing of Chechen separatist rule helped build his popularity, visited the turbulent North Caucasus region on Monday ahead of an election he expects to install his chosen successor in power.

The 55-year-old Putin, who plans to retain influence in Russia, is hoping for a smooth transition to handpicked successor First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev after a presidential election next month.

Only Russian media accompanied Putin on the trip to the army base in Botlikh in the Dagestani mountains.

Putin first visited Botlikh as Prime Minister in August 1999 after a fierce battle pitched Russian soldiers and local militia against Chechen rebels. Within weeks he ordered soldiers to invade Chechnya, restoring Kremlin rule.

Thousands died in the war which caused widespread destruction in Chechnya and forced many to flee their homes.

Television pictures on Monday showed Russian commanders guiding Putin, wearing dark shirt and dark suit, around the camp. Putin presented awards to some of the commanders and to Dagestani president Mukhu Aliyev.

Aliyev is facing criticism at home as unemployment remains high, homes deal with electricity blackouts, police face rebels in inner city shoot-outs and political and business assassinations dominate the local media. (Writing by James Kilner, editing by Ralph Boulton)

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