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Moscow: Dmitry Medvedev, Vladimir Putin’s choice, has been elected as Russia’s next President on Monday.
Nearly final results from over 99 percent of precincts showed that Medvedev had received 70.2 percent of the vote, the head of the elections commission said on Monday.
One of the main questions asked was who would really be in charge of Russia, once Medvedev inevitably names Putin prime minister.
Most Russians believe he will follow his predecessor’s lead at first.
However, the predictable result did not come without objection.
Two of Medvedev's challengers threatened to go to court over alleged violations, while Garry Kasparov, who was barred from the election, planned to lead marches across the country in protest.
Independent international observers who were monitoring the election process are yet to release their assessment.
Russian election monitoring group, Golos, said a steady stream of complaints and reports of irregularities, including blatant attempts to influence and bribe voters were coming in.
Dmitry Medvedev has vowed to continue on the same course as previous leader Vladimir Putin.
He also added that he would put the defence of Russian interests at the heart of his foreign policy.
He said his policies would be "a direct continuation of that path which is being carried out by President Putin".
Medvedev, who is said to be tougher than his mild-mannered demeanor, will be the first Russian leader to succeed his forerunner according to a constitutional timetable.
Putin became acting president first after Russia's first president, Boris Yeltsin, stepped down early, and only later won election.
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