MOSCOW, March 21 Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the support of citizens is more important to him than victory in the presidential elections.
«Dear friends, thank you for your support. For me, this is more important than a formal victory in the elections,» Putin said, addressing Russians after the Central Election Commission announced the official results of the presidential elections.
Presidential elections in Russia were held from March 15 to 17.
The head of the Russian Central Election Commission, Ella Pamfilova, announced the official voting results at a meeting on Thursday: Vladimir Putin received 87.28% of the votes, Nikolai Kharitonov — 4.31%, Vladislav Davankov — 3.85%, Leonid Slutsky — 3.20%. The turnout was 77.44%, setting a record in the modern history of Russia.