Local media outlets in Russia are projecting that incumbent leader Vladimir Putin will win the country's presidential election. A victory will give Putin a fifth term as president.

The election was held nationwide over a three-day period. Russia's state-run media outlets issued reports about exit polls conducted by the government-affiliated Russian Public Opinion Research Center. They quoted the institution as saying that 87 percent of the respondents indicated that they voted for Putin.

Putin was up against three opponents. But candidates critical of Russia's invasion of Ukraine were barred from running.

Russian authorities had warned people repeatedly that anyone trying to obstruct the election would be punished. They said obstructers could even face jail time.

Observers say Putin and his government appeared to be determined to suppress any protests, so that a sweeping victory could be guaranteed.