Russia formalises Putin election win, dismissing criticism
The Hindu
The three-day vote last weekend saw Mr. Putin cruise to an easy victory for a fifth Kremlin term, unchallenged by any meaningful opposition.
Russia formalised Thursday President Vladimir Putin's victory in last week's presidential election, dismissing scathing criticism by the West and independent Russian observers that it was the most corrupt vote in post-Soviet history.
The three-day vote last weekend saw Mr. Putin cruise to an easy victory for a fifth Kremlin term, unchallenged by any meaningful opposition.
The election was also held in occupied Ukraine and voting took place two years into Moscow's offensive.
Russia's electoral chief Ella Pamfilova said final results showed Mr. Putin won 87.28% of the vote.
She called the election -- which sees Mr. Putin's 24-year rule extended by another six years — "historic."
Ms. Pamfilova said turnout was 77.49%.
The Kremlin had encouraged Russians to vote out of patriotic duty, despite Mr. Putin's win being inevitable.
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