Vladimir Putin has won the Russian presidential election, securing his position as the country’s leader until 2030. This victory was confirmed by state TV Russia-24.
Election Results
- Vote Percentage: According to Russia’s Central Election Commission, Putin received around 87% of the votes. This was based on counts from about 60% of electoral districts as of Sunday evening.
- Exit Polls: The results align with exit polls released shortly after voting ended.
Election Process
- Three Days of Voting: The election spanned three days, starting on Friday and ending on Sunday. Over 8 million people voted online.
- No Strong Competitors: Putin faced no significant competition. The other three candidates, all deputies, were seen as supportive of Putin, having backed the war in Ukraine and expressed support for him.
Context of the Election
- Russia’s Size and Population: Russia, the largest country by territorial area with a population of 141 million, spread the voting over three days to accommodate its 11 time zones.
- Voter Demographics: The election included Ukrainians in territories occupied by Russian troops.
- Crackdown on Opposition: The election occurred amidst a crackdown on independent media and human rights groups. Putin’s main opponent, Alexei Navalny, died in prison, and other critics are jailed or in exile.
Navalny’s Legacy
- Tribute to Navalny: On the third day of voting, people visited Navalny’s grave and placed a voting form with his name on it.
- Vandalism at Polling Places: There were reports of vandalism during the voting period, reminiscent of an attack on Navalny in 2017.
Yulia Navalnaya’s Protest
- Navalnaya’s Vote: Yulia Navalnaya, Alexei Navalny’s widow, voted at the Russian embassy in Berlin and wrote Navalny’s name on her ballot.
Challenges During the Election
- Ukrainian Actions: Ukraine intensified attacks against Russia during the voting period, including a drone attack on Moscow.
- Putin’s Long Rule: Putin has been in power for 24 years and could surpass Josef Stalin’s tenure. He amended the Constitution in 2020 to allow him to stay in office until 2036.
Opposition Suppression
- Arrests and Deaths: Most opposition politicians were arrested or died under unclear circumstances. Others, like Garry Kasparov, left the country.
- Control Over Elections: Putin effectively prevented real opponents from contesting the election.
- Media Ban: Independent press outlets, including the Nobel Peace Prize-winning “Novaya Gazeta,” were banned.
Legal Warning Against Protests
- Protest Ban: The Public Prosecutor’s Office declared demonstrations during the voting period illegal, leading to arrests.
Conclusion
Vladimir Putin’s victory in the Russian presidential election marks another term in his long-standing rule. Despite challenges and opposition suppression, Putin maintains a strong grip on power in Russia.
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