Addressing a rally in Moscow after the early results were declared, Mr Putin said voters had "recognised the achievements of the last few years". In some areas, free food and discounts in local shops were on offer near polling stations. Mr Navalny was excluded from the election because of an embezzlement conviction that he said was manufactured by the Kremlin. In his first reaction to the news, Mr Navalny indicated he had been unable to contain his anger. Mr Putin was scheduled to speak at a rally scheduled for the fourth anniversary of the annexation - the same day as the election.