BBC News with John Jason.

In Russia’s presidential election, Dmitry Medvedev, Vladimir Putin’s chosen successor is heading towards an overwhelming victory of more than 65 percent of the vote. However, the main independent Russian observer group has questioned the results, saying turn-out was impossibly high in some regions. Shortly after appearing side by side with Mr Putin at a celebratory opening at a concert in Moscow, Mr Medvedev said his policies would be a direct continuation of his predecessors. James Rogers reports from Moscow.

Mr Medvedev confirmed that Mr Putin would become Prime Minister. The real question is who will have what power. Mr Medvedev insisted that he would be in charge of foreign policy, but said that the two would work together to form the cabinet. To their supporters, it’s the perfect outcome. Not everyone is ready to accept the result. Political opponents of the current administration said the election was riddled with irregularities. A Kremlin spokesman has dismissed their claims, saying that to make such general accusations was completely unfair.