World News Putin claims victory in elections

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MOSCOW (AP) - Brushing off U.S. criticism of a one-sided election campaign, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed victory March 15 after voters gave him an expected landslide win for a second four-year term.

Putin captured 71.2 percent of the vote. His closest challenger was Communist candidate Nikolai Kharitonov with 13.7 percent. Four other candidates shared the remaining votes.

Opposition observers and human rights groups have alleged violations during the voting, including premarked ballots and pressure on students and soldiers.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said the United States "was concerned about a level of authoritarianism creeping back in the society."

Putin responded by saying the 2000 Florida election fiasco in the United States showed the weaknesses of the world's oldest democracy.

Some "see the splinter in another's eye and ignore the log in his own," Putin said. Russia will consider the criticism and "if we think there is something to think about, will draw the corresponding conclusions," he said.

プーチン大統領再選

プーチン大統領が15日、不公平な選挙戦だというアメリカの 批判をものともせず、予想どおりの圧勝をした後、勝利宣言をした。

Shukan ST: March 26, 2004

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