VLADIMIR PUTIN’S victory in Russia’s presidential elections on March 18th was never in any doubt. The vote was less a choice than a referendum on his rule. But even so, he got the result he wanted. With nearly all the ballots counted by the morning of the following day, Mr Putin had racked up over 76% of the vote, a record high for him, and more than ten points up on his performance last time, in 2012. Turnout, though reported to be lower than last time by exit polls on Sunday night, had conveniently risen to 68% on Monday morning, nearing the 70% goal the Kremlin had set to ensure that the poll would be regarded as a suitably strong mandate. It was also slightly higher than in 2012. “It’s very important to maintain this unity,” Mr Putin told his supporters at a victory speech. “We will think about the future of our great Motherland.”
Though there were scattered reports of ballot stuffing, the vote hardly needed to be rigged. Mr Putin ran against a field with no viable challengers, and enjoys widespread support. “This vote is to...Continue reading
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