TOKYO, March 18 -- NHK World issued the following news:
Russian media report that incumbent President Vladimir Putin is projected to clinch a resounding victory in the presidential election. He is expected to use his fifth term to pursue his current political ambitions, including the invasion of Ukraine.
Ballot counting is underway after three days of voting in the election ended on Sunday.
Local media reported on Sunday that an exit poll by the government-affiliated Russian Public Opinion Research Center, or VCIOM, shows that Putin is predicted to win the election with 87 percent of the vote.
The Russian Central Election Commission also announced that Putin gained 87.68 percent of the vote after about 30 percent of the ballots cast wer...