Putin wins Russia’s Presidential vote

(Moscow) – Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin has claimed victory in Russia’s presidential election. Putin tallied 58-59 percent of vote, according to exit polls cited by state television. Communist Party candidate Gennady Zyuganov received about 18 percent, whereas Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Sergei Mironov and Mikhail Prokhorov were in single digits.
At a massive rally outside the Kremlin, Putin thanked his supporters for helping foil plots aimed at destroying Russia, sounding 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.”