On Monday, Russia formally recorded the incumbent Vladimir Putin as a presidential candidate for the upcoming March election, an event he is widely anticipated to win.
Having presided over Russia since the early 2000s and secured four presidential victories, the 71-year-old briefly served as prime minister in a political landscape where opposition has become nearly non-existent.
The Central Election Commission, responsible for the registration process, confirmed Putin’s candidacy, as he nominated himself. Additionally, the right-wing figure and Putin loyalist Leonid Slutsky were registered as candidates for the upcoming election.
Scheduled over a three-day period from March 15 to 17, the election duration has faced criticism from Kremlin critics who argue that it poses challenges to ensuring transparency.
Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, stated on Monday that the long-standing leader would not engage in pre-election debates.
Following a controversial constitutional reform in 2020, Putin potentially has the opportunity to remain in power until at least 2036.
Rights groups have voiced concerns about past elections, citing irregularities, and anticipate that independent observers may face barriers in monitoring the upcoming vote.