Putin Got ‘Clear Signal’ of Dissent Despite Landslide ‘Victory’

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s latest installment of electoral theater delivered what was promised. The 71-year-old secured his sixth term in power in this weekend’s presidential contest, boasting around 87 percent of votes—representing almost 76 million people—and electoral authorities claiming a turnout of more than 77 percent. “Of course, we have lots of tasks ahead,” Putin told a news conference early on Monday morning as his supporters celebrated. “But I want to make it clear for everyone: When we were consolidated, no one has ever managed to frighten us, to suppress our will and our self-conscience. They failed in the past…