Putin election campaign presents boxes filled with petitions backing his run

Vladimir Putin is almost certain to win another term in office in March (Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s campaign staff have unveiled scores of boxes filled with signed petitions supporting his run in the March presidential election – a vote he is almost certain to win.

Mr Putin, although closely tied to the dominant United Russia party, is running as an independent, a path that would prolong his grip on Russia for at least another six years.