MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russia’s presidential election reflects the choice made by the country’s people, the Chinese observer mission said in a statement available to TASS.

"The election was widely and openly covered in the media. The mission believes that the Russian presidential election took place in a democratic, transparent and fair manner. The voting process went smoothly, with no rules broken. The outcome of the vote reflects the independent choice of the Russian people," the statement reads.

According to the mission, during their stay in Russia on March 15-17, Chinese observers held meetings with officials from the Central Election Commission, the Foreign Ministry and other ministries and government agencies, receiving information about preparations for the vote. They also visited polling stations in Moscow.

The statement points out that China respects the Russian people’s choice, congratulates Vladimir Putin on his re-election as Russian president and "firmly supports Russia’s desire to achieve stability, development and prosperity."

According to the CEC, presidential candidate and incumbent head of state Vladimir Putin is in the lead, receiving 87.3% of the vote after 99.4% of the ballots counted. Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) nominee Nikolay Kharitonov is second (4.32%), New People party nominee Vladislav Davankov is third (3.83%), and Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) nominee Leonid Slutsky is fourth (3.2%).