Populist reformer Boris Yeltsin won the presidency of the largest Soviet republic Tuesday, overcoming opposition by Mikhail Gorbachev and declaring the start of "Russia's social, economic, and spiritual rebirth. " Gorbachev strongly opposed Yeltsin's election. Lawmakers said they believed Yeltsin gained the last few votes he needed by offering to form a coalition government with the Communist Party bloc and other groups. Yeltsin said he believed he gained several voters because of a last-minute push by Gorbachev to block his election. Gorbachev reportedly urged delegates at a meeting Monday night not to vote for Yeltsin. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Populist reformer Boris Yeltsin won the presidency of the largest Soviet republic Tuesday, overcoming opposition by Mikhail Gorbachev and declaring the start of "Russia's social, economic, and spiritual rebirth. " Lawmakers said they believed Yeltsin gained the last few votes he needed by offering to form a coalition government with the Communist Party bloc and other groups. Yeltsin said he believed he gained several voters because of a last-minute push by Gorbachev to block his election. Gorbachev reportedly urged delegates at a meeting Monday night not to vote for Yeltsin. The Associated Press contributed to this report.