Russia election 'clearly skewed' for Putin - OSCE

Russia's presidential elections were "clearly skewed" in favour of the winner, Vladimir Putin, monitors with the Organisation for Security and Co-operation (OSCE) have said.

Preliminary results showed that Mr Putin, who is currently prime minister, won more than 63% of votes.

There have been widespread claims of fraud and vote violations, and the OSCE said the result was "never in doubt".

OSCE official Tiny Kox, said "some instances of illegal activites were observed".