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Medvedev wins Russian presidency Medvedev 'to continue Putin work'
(about 2 hours later)
Dmitry Medvedev has vowed to continue the course of predecessor Vladimir Putin after winning a landslide victory in Russia's presidential election.Dmitry Medvedev has vowed to continue the course of predecessor Vladimir Putin after winning a landslide victory in Russia's presidential election.
The result is not official but with almost all ballots counted, he was holding about 70% of the vote. With nearly 100% of the ballots counted, the election commission has announced he won 70.23% of the vote.
Mr Medvedev told reporters he hoped to work in an "effective tandem" with Mr Putin as his prime minister. Mr Medvedev said he hoped to work in an "effective tandem" with Mr Putin as his prime minister.
As president, he said, he would control foreign policy with the defence of Russian interests his chief priority.As president, he said, he would control foreign policy with the defence of Russian interests his chief priority.
Mr Putin, he confirmed, would be moving out of the Kremlin.Mr Putin, he confirmed, would be moving out of the Kremlin.
Mr Medvedev has about 70% of the vote with more than 98% of ballots counted, the Russian election commission reports. Mr Medvedev's nearest rival was Communist leader Gennady Zyuganov, with 17.76% of the vote. He vowed to go to court over alleged fraud, Itar-Tass news agency reports.
His nearest rival was Communist leader Gennady Zyuganov, on about 18%. He vowed to go to court over alleged fraud, Itar-Tass news agency reports.
We will increase stability, improve the quality of life and move forward on the path we have chosen Dmitry Medvedev Tipping point economyWill power shift?In pictures: Russia votesWe will increase stability, improve the quality of life and move forward on the path we have chosen Dmitry Medvedev Tipping point economyWill power shift?In pictures: Russia votes
The mainly pro-Kremlin media have welcomed a Medvedev victory.The mainly pro-Kremlin media have welcomed a Medvedev victory.
The Izvestia newspaper said the vote was a "triumph of the majority" that created a "bridge to the future for Russia".The Izvestia newspaper said the vote was a "triumph of the majority" that created a "bridge to the future for Russia".
Mr Putin late on Sunday congratulated the front-runner on his big lead when they appeared together at a rally in Moscow's Red Square. Mr Putin late on Sunday congratulated Mr Medvedev on his big lead when they appeared together at a rally in Moscow's Red Square.
Speaking to reporters later, Mr Medvedev said his policies would be "a direct continuation of that path which is being carried out by President Putin".Speaking to reporters later, Mr Medvedev said his policies would be "a direct continuation of that path which is being carried out by President Putin".
Asked about foreign policy, he said "the president defines Russia's foreign policy according to the constitution".Asked about foreign policy, he said "the president defines Russia's foreign policy according to the constitution".
Russia's priorities would, he said, continue to be its fellow ex-Soviet republics.Russia's priorities would, he said, continue to be its fellow ex-Soviet republics.
On where Mr Putin would work as prime minister, he said "the place of the prime minister and the government is the White House", referring to the government building a few miles from the Kremlin.On where Mr Putin would work as prime minister, he said "the place of the prime minister and the government is the White House", referring to the government building a few miles from the Kremlin.
A first deputy PM, Mr Medvedev was the clear favourite from the start and enjoyed generous television coverage.A first deputy PM, Mr Medvedev was the clear favourite from the start and enjoyed generous television coverage.
Mr Putin, who has been in office for eight years, was barred by the constitution from seeking a third term, but has pledged to serve as Mr Medvedev's prime minister.Mr Putin, who has been in office for eight years, was barred by the constitution from seeking a third term, but has pledged to serve as Mr Medvedev's prime minister.
'Irregularities''Irregularities'
Turnout was high, at nearly 68%, officials said. But there were reports that many workers were told by their bosses to vote. Turnout was high, at 69.65%, officials said. But there were reports that many workers were told by their bosses to vote.
HAVE YOUR SAYRussia's future after the election will be bright as a Democratic nationSinnathamby, CanadaSend us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAYRussia's future after the election will be bright as a Democratic nationSinnathamby, CanadaSend us your comments
Various inducements were also offered to mobilise voters, including cheap food, free cinema tickets or toys, correspondents say.Various inducements were also offered to mobilise voters, including cheap food, free cinema tickets or toys, correspondents say.
After polls closed Mr Zyuganov said there had been widespread irregularities.After polls closed Mr Zyuganov said there had been widespread irregularities.
"We will go to court over this," Itar-Tass quoted him as saying."We will go to court over this," Itar-Tass quoted him as saying.
The Kremlin has dismissed claims of fraud.The Kremlin has dismissed claims of fraud.
There has been very little scrutiny of voting by Western election observers, many of whom stayed away.There has been very little scrutiny of voting by Western election observers, many of whom stayed away.
The main independent Russian observer group, Golos, said the turnout was impossibly high in some regions.The main independent Russian observer group, Golos, said the turnout was impossibly high in some regions.