Millions of votes may have been falsified in Russia's presidential election, independent observers and analysts have found, calling into question the record support for Vladimir Putin reported by the authorities.

The central electoral commission said on Monday a record 56.2 million Russians had cast their ballots for Mr Putin on Sunday, giving him more than 76 per cent of the vote.

It reported a turnout of more than 67 per cent, two points higher than the target the Kremlin had reportedly set for regional authorities. Low participation could have called into question the continued rule by Mr Putin, who has already been in power for 18 years.

“The Russian presidential election: Victory for Putin, high turnout and few complaints,” state news agency RIA Novosti trumpeted.

But according to thousands of volunteer electoral observers mustered by opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the actual turnout was 55 per cent.