The upcoming Russian election slated for this week is poised to solidify President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power until at least 2030. As the political landscape stands, any opposition figures capable of challenging Putin’s authority have been either imprisoned or exiled abroad. Additionally, independent media outlets critical of Putin’s policies have faced censorship and blockades, further consolidating the Kremlin’s control over the electoral process in the country of 146 million.
Despite these challenges, the Russian election is expected to draw significant attention from both domestic and international observers, providing insights into the trajectory of the major nuclear power, especially amidst its ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming election, including details on voting procedures, the candidates on the ballot, and concerns regarding the election’s fairness and transparency.
Who Can Vote in the Russian Election?
Any Russian citizen above the age of 18, not serving a criminal conviction in prison, is eligible to vote in the Russian election. The Central Election Commission has reported a total of 112.3 million eligible voters within Russia and Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, along with an additional 1.9 million eligible voters residing abroad.
How Will Voting Unfold?
Voting across Russia will occur over three days, a departure from the traditional single-day voting process. This extended duration was first introduced during the 2020 constitutional referendum orchestrated by Putin, allowing voters more flexibility in participating. Notably, this election will also witness the introduction of online voting, available in 27 Russian regions and Crimea, annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
Despite criticisms and objections from Kyiv and Western countries, voting will take place in the annexed regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Early voting has already commenced in some regions and will progressively roll out in others over the designated voting period.
Who Is on the Ballot?
The prominent candidate in the election is President Vladimir Putin, running as an independent candidate seeking his fifth term in office. Putin, in power since 2000, orchestrated constitutional changes in 2020 that reset his term limits, enabling him to potentially extend his tenure until 2030.
Other candidates representing Kremlin-friendly parties include Nikolai Kharitonov of the Communist Party, Leonid Slutsky of the Liberal Democratic Party, and Vladislav Davankov of the New People Party. However, historical data suggests that these candidates are unlikely to pose a significant challenge to Putin, with the 2018 presidential election showcasing Putin’s dominance with over 76% of the vote.
Concerns Regarding Fairness and Transparency
Observers and opposition groups have expressed skepticism regarding the fairness and transparency of the Russian election. Criticisms have been directed towards the extension of the voting period and the introduction of online voting, which are perceived to hinder election transparency.
Instances of electoral malpractice, including forced voting and ballot-box stuffing, have been reported in past elections, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The 2018 presidential election was deemed lacking in genuine competition by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), citing continued pressure on critical voices.
The Election’s Significance and Challenges
Political analysts view the upcoming election as a pivotal moment, serving as a referendum on Putin’s leadership and the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, with limited alternatives to Putin on the ballot and a fractured opposition, the election presents challenges in fostering genuine political change.
The recent death of prominent opposition figure Alexei Navalny, coupled with the imprisonment and exile of other opposition leaders, underscores the Kremlin’s efforts to suppress dissent and maintain control over the political narrative.
The Russian election of 2024 carries significant implications for the country’s political future and its relations with the international community. Despite concerns surrounding the fairness and transparency of the electoral process, the outcome will likely reinforce President Putin’s authority and influence for the foreseeable future. As the world watches closely, the election will undoubtedly shape Russia’s trajectory in the years to come, both domestically and on the global stage.