TOKYO, March 18 -- NHK World issued the following news:
Incumbent Russian leader Vladimir Putin has declared himself the victor in the country's presidential election.
Putin spoke to supporters at his election headquarters after early results showed he was certain to win.
He said he wanted to thank all Russians who came out to vote, claiming the country is one united family.
He also said the result of the election would allow Russia to become stronger.
The Central Election Commission says Putin gained over 87 percent of the vote after about 70 percent of the ballots cast were counted. The president was up against three opponents.
But there was no real competition as candidates critical of Russia's invasion of Ukraine were barred from ...