Putin loyalists likely to win Russia local votes

KHIMKI, Russia (AP) — President Vladimir Putin’s loyalists appeared likely Sunday to retain their hold in thousands of local elections that offered slightly more room for competition, but were marred by opposition claims of widespread vote fraud.

The Kremlin eased stiff election laws in response to major protests against Putin’s rule last winter, but introduced new restrictions after the demonstrations abated. Kremlin-approved governors and most of the incumbent mayors appeared poised to preserve their seats and the Kremlin’s main United Russia party will likely keep dominating local legislatures and municipal councils.