Putin: High Turnout Proves Russian Duma Election ‘Absolutely Legitimate’

TREE NEWS update: Russian President Vladimir Putin said on the 28th that the just-concluded election to the ninth State Duma was significant and constructive, and that high voter turnout proved the vote’s absolute legitimacy. Meeting with leaders of parties entering the new Duma at the Kremlin, he said all attempts to disrupt the election and interfere in Russia’s internal affairs had completely failed. Putin called on parliamentary factions to strengthen unity and coordination in the Duma and at all levels of government.