Russia elections: Everything to know about polls that will hand Putin fifth term
Russian presidential election raises concerns over legitimacy and lack of democratic principles.
- Bilawal Riaz
- 1 min read
Millions of Russian citizens are participating in an election that is expected to secure another six-year term for President Vladimir Putin. The vote, closely managed by the Kremlin, includes candidates vetted by the government. Critics highlight that the election process is heavily controlled, with genuine opposition figures facing obstacles to participate. Putin is the favored candidate, with others on the ballot such as Communist Nikolai Kharitonov, nationalist Leonid Slutsky, and newcomer Vladislav Davankov. The election aims to maintain Putin’s rule while conveying a semblance of legitimacy. Critics argue that the election lacks true democratic principles, citing restrictions on opposition figures and concerns about fairness.