‘Breach of law’ | ‘The people’s choice’ — world leaders react to Putin’s election victory

The electoral victory of Vladimir Putin as Russia’s president has continued to generate different reactions from world leaders.

While some have hailed Putin’s victory as a reflection of the people’s choice, others said the polls were only a mere theatrical show for predetermined results.

The Russian leader tightened his grip on the country he has ruled since the turn of the century on Monday after the Central Election Commission (CEC) announced that he won 87.3 percent of the vote on a record turnout of 77.5 percent.

With the victory, Putin will rule until at least 2030, when he will be 77, making him Russia’s longest ruler since Josef Stalin.

CHINA, NORTH KOREA CONGRATULATE PUTIN

Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated Putin on his re-election.

Xi said Putin’s victory fully reflects the Russian people’s support for him, adding that the European super-power will make greater achievements in national development and construction under his leadership.

“China stands ready to maintain close communication with Russia to promote the sustained, sound, stable and in-depth development of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era to benefit the two nations and their people,” the Chinese president said.

Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s leader, assured Putin that he would work with him “to provide a new turning point for the Russian-DPRK (North Korean) friendship that has long historical roots and traditions, and push forward to build a strong nation”.

UKRAINE, US, UK LABEL ELECTIONS A SHAM

However, Ukraine, the United States of America, the United Kingdom (UK) and other European nations did not share in the enthusiasm expressed by China and North Korea about Putin’s victory.

“These days, the Russian dictator is simulating another election. It is clear to everyone in the world that this figure, as it has already often happened in the course of history, is simply sick for power and is doing everything to rule forever,” Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, said.

“There is no legitimacy in this imitation of elections and there cannot be. This person should be on trial in The Hague. That’s what we have to ensure.”

The French foreign ministry said France condemned the vote held in the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, annexed by Russia during the conflict.

The ministry said would never recognise the results.

“The illegal organisation of alleged ‘elections’ in the Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia constitutes a new violation of international law and the United Nations Charter,” the foreign ministry said.

David Cameron, British foreign secretary, said the elections “starkly underline the depth of repression under Putin’s regime, which seeks to silence any opposition to his illegal war”.