Russia Election: Millions casting ballots to choose nation's president

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Europe

Right now, millions of Russians are voting in the nation's presidential election. Although, current President Vladmir Putin is expected to win in a landslide. As CGTN's Tang Bo reports, voters say they're looking forward to policies that will improve their lives in the next six years.

Putin votes first. Casting his ballot at a polling station at the Russian Academy of Sciences, Putin seems confident of victory.

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "Any percentage that allows for the fulfilment of presidential duties is a success. The program that I propose for the country is the right one."

Other candidates who voted on Sunday include TV host Ksenia Sobchak, who urged Putin's critics to vote instead of boycotting the process.

KSENIA SOBCHAK OPPOSITION PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE "If Putin receives a higher percentage, you must understand that every extra percent for Putin is a result of boycott and because people did not come to vote."

Over 110 million Russian people are registered to cast their ballots. Over 1.8 million of them are voting overseas. Another win for Putin would make him the longest-serving head of state since Josef Stalin. Some refuse to share who they're voting for. As they stand in line, they express hope the government can do more to improve living standards across the vast nation.

"The country should excavate more gas and oil. That is the foundation of the development of other industries. And it can further help increase peoples' salaries and pensions."

"I support whoever proposes a program to fix and improve the current legislation system. People need better legal protection."

"I support Putin. I hope he can keep his policies consistent, and build more cultural facilities to improve people's living standards."

TANG BO MOSCOW "Putin consistently scores higher in opinion polls than all his rivals combined. His idea of patriotic leadership, managed democracy, and a strong Russia resonate well with the people. No matter who takes the office, the Russian people are expecting the state could take concrete measures to improve Russia's economy and people's welfare. Tang Bo, CGTN, Moscow."