Information
The European Union and NATO have expressed their doubts about the fairness of the upcoming presidential election in Russia. They believe that the election will not be democratic and that the Russian people will not have a real choice. EU spokesperson Peter Stano stated that the current Kremlin administration and regime have a history of poorly preparing and organizing votes. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg pointed out the lack of viable opposition and freedom of the press in Russia. He also mentioned that opposition politicians are in jail, some are killed, and many are in exile. Some who tried to register as candidates have been denied that right.
The election will take place over three days, starting this weekend. Russian President Vladimir Putin will be running against three Kremlin-approved candidates. No genuine opposition candidates have been permitted to run. Putin is expected to win and remain in power for another six years, making his overall tenure longer than any Russian leader since Catherine the Great. Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has called for protests at polling stations. However, authorities have warned against any demonstrations. Moscow prosecutors made it clear on Telegram that organizing and participating in mass events are punishable by law.
Polls opened on Thursday in the four regions of Ukraine that Russia annexed last year. Ukrainians living under Russian occupation have reportedly been coerced to vote. Russian authorities have dispatched mobile polling stations to people’s doorsteps arguing that it is safer to vote this way. The EU said it would not recognize the ballot in those four regions.
Source: AP, AFP
Assessment
It seems almost certain that Putin will win this election. Although it is possible that he is legitimately the most popular candidate in some regions of the country, this is likely due to him removing any real opposition or allowing open conversations about politics. Additionally, in regions that he is not so popular, such as central Siberia, the votes will just be rigged to insure his victory.
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