While the presidential election proved entirely predictable, the transfer of power from Vladimir Putin to Dmitry Medvedev looks likely to be anything but.
This will be the first time in the country's history that a popularly elected head of state hands over power to another popularly elected head of state.
The lack of precedent is raising some curious constitutional questions over exactly how the Kremlin's impending round of musical chairs is going to work.
"There is not really any previous experience for what happens between an election and the moment the new president assumes power," said Mikhail Krasnov, an author of the Constitution.
While Medvedev is now president-elect and first deputy prime minister, Putin by law will remain president until May 7, exactly four years after his inauguration. Putin has said he will then become prime minister.
Russia's already controversial election has become even more controversial. People are beginning to question the constitutionality of the new transfer of power. This questioning could hurt the legitimacy of Russia.
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