Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially declared his intention to run for another term in the upcoming presidential election. The announcement was made during a ceremony in the Kremlin attended by soldiers who participated in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Widely expected, Putin’s re-election for a fifth term is anticipated in the largely staged event, with little genuine competition, scheduled for March 17.
The announcement, seemingly in response to a public appeal, was made in a manner consistent with Putin’s past election runs, presenting the candidacy as a result of popular demand. A military veteran from the Donbas region of east Ukraine appealed to Putin to run again, emphasizing the need for further integration of the region forcibly annexed from Ukraine.
Critics argue that the announcement, framed against the backdrop of the ongoing war, symbolizes Putin’s choice of war and elevates the upcoming election to a matter of Russia’s survival. The format, described as symbolic by experts, emphasizes the high stakes involved.
Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov claimed that Putin’s announcement was “absolutely spontaneous.” Putin, who finished the 2018 election with about 77% of the vote amid accusations of fraud, is expected to secure another term, potentially extending his tenure until 2030.
The election, scheduled for March 17 but likely to span three days, may include electronic voting in certain regions. The participation of the newly occupied territories will be decided following discussions with Russia’s security services.
Officials rushed to support Putin’s announcement, with Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of Russia’s lower house of parliament, praising Putin’s effectiveness over time. Vasily Piskarev, chair of the lower house’s Security Committee, credited Putin with ending the chaos of the 1990s and saving the country.
Putin, who took office in 2000 and had a constitutional break from 2008 to 2012, has remained a dominant figure in Russian politics throughout his tenure.
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