Vladamir Putin wins Russian presidential election

RUSSIA: Controversial Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has claimed victory in the country’s Presidential election, standing before tens of thousands of cheering supporters — even as the opposition and independent observers claimed faulty that votes were marred by widespread violations.

During a discussion outside the Kremlin, Putin thanked his supporters for helping foil what he calls ‘plots’ aiming to destroy Russia, finishing with a nationalistic theme that has resonated with his core supporters.

“I have promised that we would win and we have won!” he shouted to the flag-waving crowd, which responded with shouts of support. “We have won in an open and honest struggle.”

According to polls, Putin talled in 58-59 perfect of Sunday’s vote.  Communist party Gennady Zyuganov received about 18 percent, according to the survey, and the others — nationalist Vladimir Zhirionvsky, socialist Sergei Mironov and billionaire Prokhorov were all in single digits.

Related articles

• Putin claims victory in Russian election amid fraud allegations (news.nationalpost.com)
• Putin seeks convincing win as Russians vote in election (worldnews.msnbc.msn.com)
• Putin wins Russian presidency: reports (marketwatch.com)
• Sombre Putin casts his vote in presidential election as thousands complain of polling irregularities (dailymail.co.uk)