Putin is all but guaranteed a sweeping victory in Russia, where he wields absolute control
President Vladimir Putin speaks in his annual televised New Year’s message after a ceremony during a visit to the headquarters of the Southern Military District, at an unknown location in Russia, Dec. 31, 2022. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)
DATE OF ELECTION
March 17 (the voting will take place over three days, March 15-17)
TYPE OF ELECTION
Presidential
WHO’S RUNNING
Vladimir Putin is running for president for the 5th time, seeking to extend his rule by six more years. In order to run again after 24 years in power, the 71-year-old Putin changed the constitution - he can seek two more terms after 2024. Putin is all but certain to win the vote: prominent critics who could challenge him on the ballot are either in jail or in exile abroad. Several other token opposition candidates will be on the ballot, but none of them stand a chance against Putin, who has absolute control of Russia’s political scene.
WHY IT MATTERS TO THE WORLD
Putin has unleashed the biggest military conflict in Europe since World War II – the war in Ukraine. The war has dragged on for two years, and many believe that its outcome depends on whether Putin stays in power or steps down. While the latter appears highly unlikely, Putin and his government face multiple challenges ahead: the stalemated war in Ukraine, unyielding Western pressure that compounds Russia’s economic problems and intensifying infighting among the ruling elite. All of these could further destabilize the country of 146 million, which is a major nuclear power and a key player in the global energy sector.
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