Putin's party sweeps into power

Allies of President Vladimir Putin won a sweeping victory in Russia’s elections today but European human rights officials condemned the poll as having fallen short of international legal requirements and representing a retreat from democratic reforms.

With more than 98% of the vote counted, United Russia – a pro-Putin party led by Cabinet ministers – won 37.1% of the vote, leaving its rivals far behind, said Election Commission Chairman Alexander Veshnyakov.