The voting process for the Russian presidential election has already begun, and it holds significant importance for various reasons. The world’s attention is focused on this election due to the war against Ukraine, which is a critical issue.
Ukraine’s inclination towards Western policies and its efforts for NATO membership created a distance between Russia and Ukraine, resulting in a war. Additionally, President Putin is facing the election this year while being involved in a casual war with Ukraine, and western countries led by America.
Another crucial issue to consider in this election is the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a prison break. Vladimir Putin is running for the presidency for the fifth time, and experts predict he will undoubtedly win.
Russians living abroad can also vote
However, voting in the Russian presidential election has officially begun. It is unique that Russians living abroad are also given the opportunity to vote at the Russian Embassy in those countries.
Also, the opportunity has been created for voting through the online system. Steps have been taken to maximise the use of technology for the presidential election. Russian election authorities say that facilities have been provided for voting in many areas from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Putin is on the verge of a fifth-term
Vladimir Putin has been in power in Russia since 2000. He was repeatedly elected as the country’s President in 2004, 2012 and 2018. He is ruling Russia by holding the title of President for two terms of 4 years and two terms of 6 years, and he has the right to run for another presidential election after this presidential election. Accordingly, an opportunity has arisen for him to hold the presidency of Russia until 2036.
Unite for the future – Putin tells people
Suppose he wins the presidential election this year. In that case, President Putin will go down in history as the leader who ruled Russia for the longest time after Joseph Stalin, who led the Soviet Union.
Addressing the Russian people before the presidential election, Putin asked them to come together to vote to decide the future of the fatherland. He also emphasised that we are going through difficult times. Therefore, it is very important to act unitedly and with self-confidence.
Ukrainians who surrendered to Russia also have the right to vote
Russia has taken steps to annex several regions of Ukraine, and millions of people in those regions are also eligible to vote in this year’s presidential election. Reports in the country show that although several candidates have come forward against President Putin, they have failed to challenge Putin or come close to him. There are no main rivals.
A journey without challenges
Alexei Navalny, an opposition leader who could have been a real challenge to President Putin, died in a Russian prison near the Arctic Pole. There is also a controversial situation regarding that death. Some say he was brutally murdered.
However, President Vladimir Putin has not made any statement so far. Navalni’s body was handed over to his family members many days after his death. Then, the last rites were done with the participation of few people except his mother.
85% of Russians are with Putin
Meanwhile, two candidates who expressed opinions against the war in Ukraine tried to run for the presidential election this year.
Still, the Russian Election Commission rejected their nominations. President Putin’s regime is being accused by the West as a dictatorial regime that is against democratic principles due to such issues.
According to people commenting on the Ukraine war, Putin is a war criminal. However, polls show that 85% of Russians approve of his rule. Accordingly, it has become a clear fact that President Putin has overwhelming public support
