This image shows Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking during a televised address to the nation in Moscow. — AFP/File
Russian President Vladimir Putin won the presidential election as he secured nearly 88% of the vote, according to the first official results issued late Sunday, amid symbolic noon protest at polling stations.
Putin, who rose to power in 1999, would overtake Josef Stalin and become Russia’s longest-serving leader after securing the new six-year term.
According to Russia’s Central Election Commission (CEC), nearly a quarter of the votes have been counted as of 21:00 Moscow time and Putin leading the race with 87.9%, reported RT.
Exit polls earlier showed similar trends, with the head of state expected to win the election with 87.8%.
His opponent from the Communist Party, Nikolay Kharitonov, is expected to come in second with 4.7%, followed by Vladislav Davankov of the New People party (3.6%) and Leonid Slutsky of the Liberal Democrats (2.5%).
According to CNN, lines at some polling stations in Russia grew suddenly at around 12pm local time Sunday, the hour at which supporters of the deceased opposition leader Alexey Navalny called on people to turn out collectively as a show of opposition support.
Police allowed people in batches through the gates to pass through security, with metal detectors and bags being checked inside the building.
Sunday marks the third and final day of voting, with Russian President Vladimir Putin almost certain to win a fifth term in office.
As per media reports, voting took place across the country’s 11 time zones – from the far eastern regions near Alaska to the western exclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Coast – and its 88 federal subjects, including parts of Ukraine annexed by Russia.
Several hours before polls were due to close at 1800 GMT, the nationwide turnout surpassed 2018 levels of 67.5%.
Putin’s reelection would extend his rule until at least 2030. Following constitutional changes in 2020, he would then be able to run again and potentially stay in power until 2036, which would see him secure his place as Russia’s longest-serving ruler since Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.
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