Russian President Vladimir Putin’s latest installment of electoral theater delivered what was promised. The 71-year-old secured his sixth term in power in this weekend’s presidential contest, boasting around 87 percent of votes—representing almost 76 million people—and electoral authorities claiming a turnout of more than 77 percent.
“Of course, we have lots of tasks ahead,” Putin told a news conference early on Monday morning as his supporters celebrated. “But I want to make it clear for everyone: When we were consolidated, no one has ever managed to frighten us, to suppress our will and our self-conscience. They failed in the past and they will fail in the future.”
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By David Brennan – Diplomatic Correspondent:
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s latest installment of electoral theater delivered what was promised. The 71-year-old secured his sixth term in power in this weekend’s presidential contest, boasting around 87 percent of votes—representing almost 76 million people—and electoral authorities claiming a turnout of more than 77 percent.
“Of course, we have lots of tasks ahead,” Putin told a news conference early on Monday morning as his supporters celebrated. “But I want to make it clear for everyone: When we were consolidated, no one has ever managed to frighten us, to suppress our will and our self-conscience. They failed in the past and they will fail in the future.”
Read more: [https://www.newsweek.com/putin-dissent-election-protests-landslide-victory-russia-1880414](https://www.newsweek.com/putin-dissent-election-protests-landslide-victory-russia-1880414)