Putin wins fourth term, opponents say vote rigged

News, World

Moscow: Vladimir Putin today faced another six years in power after a record win in Russia's presidential election, but congratulations from abroad were largely muted after opponents accused him of rigging the vote and Moscow's relations with the West worsened.

Putin, who has ruled Russia for almost two decades, recorded his best ever election performance with 76.66 percent of the vote but rejected the possibility of staying in power indefinitely.