Official website of the President of Russia

News   /

When leaving the polling station, Mr Putin said in a conversation with journalists that he voted for the future of Russia. He refused to name the person he had voted for, as it could be interpreted as promotion of the candidate.

Mr Putin would not comment on his chances of winning the election. “I would not like to comment on it. I respect my opponents,” the Acting President said.

He expressed his hope that election would also take place in Chechnya. “The people in the republic will have a chance to cast their votes. They want to take part in the election, and that is what counts,” Mr Putin said. The future President would know that people trusted him and cast their votes for him and would feel his responsibility, and those who voted would hold him accountable for his actions, the Acting President said.

Mr Putin said that Interior Ministry, army and security service units maintained order in the Chechen Republic on the election day. Speaking about a possible terrorist attack on the Chechen village of Nozhai-Yurt, the Acting President said the danger was real and law enforcement forces took measures to ensure security.

The Acting President said the Armed Forces would be merciless to those militants who refused to lay down arms and ignored the amnesty granted by parliament.