DUSHANBE, March 18. /TASS/. Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon has sent a telegram to congratulate Russian President Vladimir Putin on election victory.

The text, published by the Tajik leader’s press service says: "With all my heart, I congratulate you on election victory. The results of the vote are a yet another bright illustration of your political clout and the Russian society’s broad support for your political course aimed at ensuring sustainable social and economic development of the country and strengthening its positions on the global arena."

The president of Tajikistan said his country attaches great importance to further development of bilateral Russian-Tajik strategic partnership and allied relations, and appreciates the Russian leader’s role in strengthening all aspects of bilateral ties.

The 2024 Russian presidential election took place on March 15-17. For the first time, the spanned over three days and offered an option of online vote. Four candidates vied for the top office, namely New People party nominee Vladislav Davankov; self-nominated candidate and incumbent President Vladimir Putin; Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) nominee Leonid Slutsky; and Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) nominee Nikolay Kharitonov.

Russian citizens abroad had an opportunity to cast their ballot at 295 polling stations in 144 countries, including six polling stations in two Tajik cities - Dushanbe and Khujand. Besides, four polling stations opened for Russian servicemen deployed in the country and their family members. Up to 9,500 Russian voters took part.

With 95.08% of ballots counted, Russia’s incumbent president, Vladimir Putin, leads the 2024 presidential race with 87.32%, according to results published by the Russian Central Election Commission. Communist Party candidate Nikolay Kharitonov is the runner-up with 4.28%, followed by the New People party candidate Vladislav Davankov with 3.85%. LDPR candidate Leonid Slutsky is fourth, garnering 3.15%.