The vote should unsurprisingly give a fifth term to Vladimir Putin, 71, who would remain at the head of the country until 2030.
The first polling stations opened in Russia’s easternmost regions of Chukotka and Kamchatka at 8 a.m. local time. The vote is also taking place in the occupied territories of Ukraine, where residents are called to “vote” even though the electoral lists are not up to date and they live under the threat of armed men.
Moscow’s war against its neighbor is entering its third year. Russia has the advantage on the battlefield but Kyiv this week showed its ability to attack Russian territory in depth, using drones, and on the border, with armed incursions.
Vladimir Putin is seeking a fifth term virtually unopposed. His political opponents are either in prison or in exile abroad, and the fiercest of them, Alexei Navalny, is now dead. The other three candidates in the running belong to a fictitious opposition which follows the Kremlin line.
Observers do not expect the elections to be free and fair. In addition to the fact that voters were given little choice, the possibilities for independent oversight are very limited. The fact that the vote takes place over three days and the opacity of electronic voting will allow those in power to rig the results.
According to official results, during the last election in 2018, the Russian president obtained 77.53% of the votes.