The Squiz

This weekend, 112.3 million people will be eligible to vote in Russia’s election, which is almost certain to deliver the re-election of President Vladimir Putin for another 6-year term. Despite allegations of vote rigging, experts say the poll is important to Putin because he’ll use the result to claim support for his leadership and the ongoing war on Ukraine. But not everyone is happy to tow the party line – a mass protest at polling stations across the country is planned for noon on Sunday. As for the result – controversial online voting is in place for the first time, so it shouldn’t take long for it to come in.

Why is Putin a sure thing?

Putin has been in power since 1999, when he first became PM, before becoming president one year later. Since then, the 71yo has swapped back and forth between the 2 jobs, changing the constitution along the way to ensure he’s the most powerful person in the country. Russia used to have rules preventing the country’s leader from serving more than 2 terms, but Putin eradicated those and he could remain in the top job until at least 2036, when he would be 83yo. This time around, no serious opposition remains after the death of Alexei Navalny last month, with others discouraged by the ongoing threat of violence. 

If it’s a done deal, why does it matter?

This is Russia’s first election since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, which, along with widespread sanctions placed on Russia and some of its wealthiest citizens in response to the war – including by Oz – has hurt the country’s economy… It’s also worth noting that voting will take place in what Russia calls its new territories – aka parts of Ukraine now controlled by Russian forces – overseen by armed men. Whatever happens, experts say the election is little more than “political theatre”… In the 2018 presidential elections, Putin got 76.7% of the vote with 67.5% of eligible voters turning out. Experts say Team Putin wants both these records to be beaten – that makes it easier to claim a mandate and explain his actions to the nation and the world.

If you’re keen to hear more about Putin’s grip on power and this weekend’s election, check out the latest Squiz Shortcut.