By IRNA
Moscow : Russia’s next president Dmitry Medvedev has pledged to uphold Vladimir Putin’s legacy after easily winning an election.
In his first appearance after results were released, Medvedev stood side by side with his mentor Putin on stage at a victory concert in Red Square.
Medvedev, 42, has asked Putin to be his prime minister after the he was prevented by law from running for re-election following eight years in power.
“I congratulate him and wish him success,” Putin said, standing beside his protege in front of a cheering crowd.
With nearly all the votes counted, Medvedev had just over 70 percent of the vote.
His nearest rival, Communist leader Gennady Zyuganov, had 18 percent.
Kremlin opponents called the election a one-sided farce after Medvedev won by the huge margin without even taking part in a single campaign debate.
“This is a secret service KGB operation to transfer power from one person to another,” former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov said.
Putin defended the conduct of the polls, arguing that they were conducted “strictly in accordance with the constitution and within the time frame set by the law”.
Ultranationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky said he would challenge official vote results in court.
The victory will allow Putin to retain a measure of power in a nation whose wealth and global voice have grown – while democratic freedoms have diminished – during his time in office.