The early results set Vladimir Putin on track to become Russia's longest-serving leader in more than 200 years.
President Vladimir Putin won a record 88 per cent in Russia's presidential election on Sunday, exit polls and first results showed, cementing his grip on power, though thousands of opponents staged a symbolic noon protest at polling stations. The early result means Putin, who rose to power in 1999 , looks to have easily won a new six-year term that would enable him to overtake Josef Stalin and become Russia's longest-serving leader for more than 200 years. Putin won 87.
In an action called "Noon against Putin," Russians who oppose the veteran Kremlin leader went to their local polling station at midday to either spoil their ballot paper in protest or to vote for one of the three candidates standing against Putin, who is widely expected to win by a landslide. Others had vowed to scrawl the name of late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died last month in an Arctic prison , on their ballot paper.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kremlin signals Vladimir Putin will claim landslide Russian election victoryGovernment says turnout is highest in history but thousands of voters protest against deepening dictatorship
Read more »
Vladimir Putin wins Russian presidential election with almost 90pc of vote, but large protests spark 'hope'Vladimir Putin's grip on Russia's presidency has tightened after early results in an election many claim was rigged indicated he'd win almost 90 per cent of the vote — although not everything went his way.
Read more »
Vladimir Putin says nuclear facility in space is Russian priorityRussia&x27;s state agency said the president made the declaration in a meeting with members of government.
Read more »
Alexei Navalny: Vladimir Putin’s power ‘now absolute’The Russian president despised the popular opposition figure and security forces will ensure his mourners are arrested “and then everything will die out”.
Read more »
‘Dangerous decade’: Europe is now at Vladimir Putin’s mercyAs Vladimir Putin ramps up spending on his military, Europe’s war chest is shrinking.
Read more »
‘Dangerous decade’: Europe is now at Vladimir Putin’s mercyAs Vladimir Putin ramps up spending on his military, Europe’s war chest is shrinking.
Read more »