When Yeltsin unexpectedly stepped down on Dec. 31, 1999, he named Putin as his interim successor

Accounts by independent observers of extensive vote-rigging, however, looked set to strengthen the resolve of opposition forces whose unprecedented protests in recent months have posed the first serious challenge to Putin's heavy-handed rule.

"We have won in an open and honest struggle."

"These elections are not free. ... That's why we'll have protests tomorrow. We will not recognize the president as legitimate,"