Russians abroad voted eight to one against Putin's party, defying official results

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Independent exit polls from 27 countries show overwhelming voter rejection of Putin's party, United Russia, with results drastically opposed to the official tallies from Russia. These polls indicate the New People party leads with about 45% support outside Russia, undermining the perceived support for the Russian government authorities.

Two independent exit polls covering 27 countries put New People first with around 45% and United Russia as low as 2.8%, the reverse of official results inside Russia, where Putin's party took nearly 58%. Exit poll organisers said the gap "destroys the image of supposed support for the authorities."