Millions of Russian citizens are heading to the polls in what many are calling a sham election to confirm Vladimir Putin’s presidency. The election, which also takes place in parts of Ukraine controlled by Russian forces, is scheduled to take place between March 15th and 17th, with results expected shortly afterwards.
This election marks the first time a remote online voting system will be available, but the process has been met with skepticism. With 112.3 million people having the right to vote, turnout is expected to be around 70-80 million people.
Candidates in the election are tightly controlled by the Kremlin, with genuine Putin critics barred from running. All parties have been vetted and approved by the Kremlin in what many are calling an illegal process. The main candidates include Vladimir Putin, Nikolai Kharitonov, Leonid Slutsky, and Vladislav Davankov.
Critics of the election warn that it is unlikely to reflect true democracy, with Nato and the EU expressing concerns about the fairness of the election. Opposition leaders are planning protests against Putin’s rule during the election, with the “Noon Against Putin” campaign calling for Russian citizens to show their discontent at the voting booths on the final day of the election.
As the election unfolds, many are questioning the legitimacy of the process and whether true democracy will prevail. Stay tuned for updates on ‘The Bib Theorists’ as the results come in and the aftermath of this contentious election plays out.
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