Voters in Chechnya went to the polls today in the first election since Russian troops restored Moscow's control over the region six years ago.
Election officials announced a 57.4% turnout, well over the 25% needed for the vote to be valid, and suggested that the final turnout could be closer to 70%.
Preliminary results are expected on Monday morning.
Pro-Russian officials say the vote represents the final stage in the political regulation of the Chechen conflict, while separatist rebels dismiss it as a bid to avoid finding a real solution.
The Kremlin encouraged voter participation, calling the elections a milestone in restoring normal life for Chechens.
Security was heavy at polling stations with fears of possible attacks by Chechen separatist fighters.
Officials say almost 600,000 people, including 34,000 Russian soldiers stationed in the volatile Caucasus province, were registered to vote.
Some 350 candidates are running for the 18-seat Republican Council and the 40-seat People's Assembly.
Human rights groups said that amid a background of violence a free and fair poll was impossible, despite the large number of parties taking part and a relatively incident-free campaign.
Russian troops entered Chechnya in October 1999 to try to re-establish control following defeat in a first war against separatist guerrillas in 1994-96.
Although major clashes are now rare, Russian forces and local Chechen allies continue to suffer casualties almost on a daily basis.
