Vladimir Putin secured 88 per cent of the first votes counted in Russia's presidential election, the head of Russia's election commission said Sunday.

The early results were based on counting votes from 24.4 percent of polling stations, Russia's elections chief Ella Pamfilova said in a briefing on state TV.

'Splendid victory'

Former Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev congratulated Vladimir Putin on his victory in the country's presidential election, in which the Kremlin leader faced no genuine competition.

"I congratulate Vladimir Putin on his splendid victory in the election," Medvedev said on Telegram, while Russian state-run television praised "colossal support to the president" and the "unbelievable consolidation" of the country behind its leader.