Question

How did Vladimir Putin come to power, and stay in power?

Answer 1

He briefly served as director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and secretary of the Security Council, before being appointed as prime minister in August 1999. After the resignation of Yeltsin, Putin became acting president and, less than four months later, was elected outright to his first term as president.

Answer 2

By not holding fair elections! Elections in Russia have not been free and fair under Putin's rule. Opponents are arrested and repressed, media is intimidated and suppressed, and electoral fraud is rampant.