Russia's presidential election voting has officially begun and will end on the 17th; what information is worth noting?

Russian media analysis points out that among the four presidential candidates, two have previously participated in presidential elections. Vladimir Putin has run for president four times, while Nikolai Kharitonov ran once—in 2004. Leonid Slutsky and Dmitry Davankov are running for the first time this year. In terms of age, the oldest candidate is Kharitonov, currently 75 years old; the youngest is Davankov, who has just turned 40. According to Russia’s presidential election rules, a candidate who receives more than 50% of the votes is elected president. If there are more than two candidates and none secures an absolute majority, the Central Election Commission will announce a second round of voting between the top two vote-getters; the candidate receiving the most votes in this runoff will be elected president. The Russian Central Election Commission will confirm the results of this presidential election no later than March 28 and publish them within three days after confirmation. Notably, the 2024 Russian presidential election is the first such election since the country adopted constitutional amendments in 2020—and also Russia’s first wartime presidential election. RT (Russia Today) reported on March 14, citing polling data from the Russian Public Opinion Research Center, that voter turnout for this election is projected to reach approximately 71%. Official data indicates that around two million Russians have already cast their ballots. Regarding potential instability during the election, Ella Pamfilova, Chair of Russia’s Central Election Commission, stated on March 14 that Russia is aware of possible “provocations” both domestically and abroad aimed at disrupting the upcoming presidential election. However, she assured that such challenges would not affect the election process. On the same day, President Vladimir Putin, in a video address, urged Russian citizens to vote in the three-day presidential election beginning March 15. Putin described this election as “a step toward the future,” urging Russians “not only to vote, but also to firmly express their will and aspirations—and personally participate in Russia’s continued development.” He added that participating in the election reflects patriotic sentiment. Putin also acknowledged that Russia is undergoing a “difficult period” due to Western sanctions imposed over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with challenges affecting “nearly all sectors.” He emphasized: “To continue tackling these challenges and successfully overcome difficulties, we must maintain unity and confidence.” According to a survey released earlier this week by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center, Putin is expected to win approximately 82% of the vote.

Russian media: Early voting in Russia’s border regions and occupied territories

Russia’s Central Election Commission announced that early voting may begin on August 28 in six Russian border regions—Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Voronezh, Rostov Oblasts, and Krasnodar Krai—as well as in the occupied Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, pursuant to a decision by the Commission.

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