United Russia's election victory, 'doubtless success': Putin

Moscow, Dec 3 (UNI) President Vladimir Putin today declared the victory of United Russia party in the State Duma elections a ''doubtless success'' and expressed the hope for further constructive activity of the party.

''I hope United Russia will not let us down. This is an obvious success and a good victory,'' Putin said in his first comments after the sweeping victory of his party in yesterday's elections.

''United Russia will make up the constitutional majority.

According to the latest information, it has gained another 12 seats and, all in all, secured 315 seats in the Duma,'' Interfax news agency quoted Putin as saying during a visit to Russian aircraft manufacturer NPO Lavochkin.

He thanked the voters who supported United Russia party.

''I topped the candidate list of that party. Their support means trust,'' the President said.

Meanwhile, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe said in a joint statement that yesterday's poll ''was not fair and failed to meet many OSCE and Council of Europe commitments and standards for democratic elections.'' UNI