Independent observers monitoring web streams of Russia’s presidential election polling stations have cried foul, sharing video links on social media alleging violations across the country.
Clips taken from official live internet transmissions of voting provided by Russian telecoms operator Rostelecom, were uploaded to social media sites claiming to show instances of ballot stuffing.
Meanwhile, an exit poll by pollster VTsIOM showed Vladimir Putin, who has already dominated the political landscape in Russia for the last 18 years, had won 73.9% of the vote.
Backed by state TV, the ruling party, and credited with an approval rating around 80%, his victory was never in doubt.
Putin’s thumping victory will extend his total time in office to nearly a quarter of a century, until 2024, by which time he will be 71.
Only Soviet dictator Josef Stalin ruled for longer.
Putin has promised to use his new term to beef up Russia’s defences against the West and to raise living standards. – Additional reporting by Reuters
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