Russians vote in election that holds little suspense after Putin crushed dissent

Voters are casting their ballots from Friday through to Sunday (AP)

Voters are heading to the polls in Russia for a three-day presidential election that is all but certain to extend President Vladimir Putin’s rule by six more years after he stifled dissent.

The election takes place against the backdrop of a ruthless crackdown that has crippled independent media and prominent rights groups and given Mr Putin full control of the political system.