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Putin party 'leads Russia polls' Putin party 'leads Russia polls'
(20 minutes later)
President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party has secured more than 60% of the vote in nationwide elections, early official results show. President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party has secured a landslide victory in nationwide elections, early official results show.
Such a majority would give Mr Putin the authority to retain political power - possibly by becoming PM after his presidential term ends next year. With 13.7% of ballots counted, United Russia had 63% of the vote, trailed by the Communists with 11.5% of the vote.
Turnout is believed to have been high at 60%, election officials said.Turnout is believed to have been high at 60%, election officials said.
Communists were trailing in second place with 11.5% of the vote, based on a count of more than 12% of the vote. The current majority would give Mr Putin the authority to retain political power - possibly by becoming PM after his presidential term ends next year.
The Communists say they will mount a legal challenge to the result, citing alleged voting irregularities.The Communists say they will mount a legal challenge to the result, citing alleged voting irregularities.
The authorities have dismissed the allegations, saying the vote was free and fair.
Eleven parties are competing for places in the lower house, the Duma.Eleven parties are competing for places in the lower house, the Duma.
RESULTS SO FAR United Russia: 63.3%Communist Party of Russia: 11.5%Liberal Democratic Party of Russia: 10.3%A Fair Russia (Mothers/Pensioners/Life): 7.8% Q&A: Russian election Food, music welcome voters
Several opposition parties have accused the government of stifling their campaigns.Several opposition parties have accused the government of stifling their campaigns.
Two parties allied to United Russia - A Fair Russia and the right-wing Liberal Democratic Party - also polled enough votes to enter parliament, according to early results.Two parties allied to United Russia - A Fair Russia and the right-wing Liberal Democratic Party - also polled enough votes to enter parliament, according to early results.
A Kremlin spokesman said the partial results showed that the overwhelming majority of Russian voters supported President Putin's course and wanted it to continue "after the current president's second term ends".A Kremlin spokesman said the partial results showed that the overwhelming majority of Russian voters supported President Putin's course and wanted it to continue "after the current president's second term ends".