I have heard the stereotype that Russians like a strong leader so many times. There must be something to it; no smoke without fire.

I think it does suit the mentality of Russian people though - too wild and tough and such a harsh country in terms of climate and history. Lots of drama constantly within the borders of Russia. Perhaps only a very tough person could handle the job!

For example - could a woman lead Russia do you think? Somebody like Angela Merkel, Julia Timoshenko or Hilary Clinton? Would people vote for that and would it work?

I think there is something to the idea that really large countries can't be good democracies.
Look at the USA, nobody other than American citizens seriously believe that there is decent democracy there... then Russia which has never really been a democracy and China likewise.
Oops, Canada ruins the hypothesis, or does it..? a question for Crocodile perhaps!