Vladimir Putin convincingly won a fourth term at the helm of the state with 76.67 percent of the votes, according to nearly final results published on Monday, confirming his position amid tense relations with the West.
Having been at the helm of the state for 18 years, either as president or prime minister, Putin achieved his best result in presidential elections with 76.67 percent, after 99.8 percent of ballots were counted.
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Putin was first elected president in 2000 with 52.9 percent of the votes, four years later he received 71.3 percent, and in 2012 he got 63.6 percent.
Additionally, the turnout for this election was higher than in 2012, sealing Putin’s strong position at this moment.
With this election, Putin remains at the head of the state until 2024, when he will be 72 years old, and he would only have another opportunity to run in 2030.
When asked on Sunday if he would run in those elections, he smiled and replied that it is still too early to think about it.
“A Sign of Trust and Hope”
In a speech to supporters who gathered near the Kremlin on Sunday evening, Putin thanked voters for supporting him again as head of state, stating that his victory is a sign of trust and hope, as well as recognition for what has been achieved in recent years, despite difficulties.
He added that “it is important to maintain unity; unity is key to success.”
