Populist candidate 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 parties . He said he believed he gained several voters because of a last - minute push by Gorbachev to block his election . ``It may be a blessing in disguise,'' Gorbachev reportedly urged delegates at a meeting Monday night not to vote for Yeltsin . Yeltsin won 535 votes , four more than the majority needed .
Populist candidate 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 parties . He 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 . Yeltsin won 535 votes , four more than the majority needed .