AFP: Medvedev will lead alongside Putin 04 March

Dmitry Medvedev Iis swept to power in the first round of Russia's presidential election, with 70 percent of votes, according to official results announced Monday. Vladimir Putin will cede him his office, but not all its power, as Medvedev has pledged to appoint him prime minister.

Medvedev, 42, who will be the youngest Russian leader since Tsar Nicholas II when he is sworn in on May 7, has asked former President Putin to be his prime minister. Putin, 55, was prevented by term limits from running for re-election. The Election Commission said voter turnout neared 70 percent.

Russia's presidential vote on Sunday officially has four candidates, though only one stands out among them -- Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Vladimir Putin's handpicked successor. A look at the election which will force Putin to step down -- though he is unlikely to cede power completely.

Dmitry Medvedev officially took over as Russia's president on Wednesday at a grand Kremlin ceremony that launched an era of joint rule with his mentor -- and now prime minister -- Vladimir Putin.

Benazir Bhutto's political will was read out at her family home in Naudero. The couple's eldest child and only son, 19-year-old Bilawal Zardari, was appointed co-chairman of the PPP, a role he'll hold in a ceremonial capacity until he comes of political age in about six years time. The opposition PPP has indicated that it will contest next month's elections. Earlier, the country's ruling party said the January 8 polls would most likely be delayed following Bhutto's death on Thursday, which has plunged Pakistan into turmoil. But another opposition leader and former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif said his party would now reconsider its boycott of the January elections.

News from Reuters

The exit polls results are in line with expectations. Medvedev was the candidate chosen by outgoing President Vladimir Putin to succeed him after eight years in office.

The choice came days after Putin announced a plan to hold onto power after his term ends. Putin said that if his close ally, Dmitry Medvedev, wins next year's presidential vote, he would serve as Medvedev's prime minister.

Russians are voting in a presidential election seen by critics as rigged to hand victory to Vladimir Putin's chosen successor, Dmitry Medvedev. He faces three challengers, but overwhelming victory is almost a foregone conclusion. Medvedev has promised to appoint Putin, who will have served as president for eight years, as his prime minister. Voters speak their mind.