Three-day election process begins in Russia: 112 million voters head to the polls

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

Elections to determine the president of Russia began today. In the elections, which incumbent President Vladimir Putin is widely expected to win, 112 million voters will head to the polls. There is no prominent opposition candidate in the elections, which Putin is considered certain to win. The election process, which began on March 15, will conclude with the closing of the polls on March 17.

The elections will be held in Russia's 88 federal subjects, as well as in the occupied regions of Ukraine: Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. 

In a statement to the Russian press regarding the elections, Putin said, "I ask you to come to vote and express your patriotic and civic duty for the future of our beloved Russia. Participating in the elections is a way to show your patriotic feelings."

In recent months in Russia, applications by some opposition leaders to run in the elections were rejected, and the candidacies of some individuals were disqualified shortly before the election.

Presidential elections in Russia are held every six years. If Putin wins these elections, he will be able to remain in office until 2030. Following the constitutional amendments in 2020 that paved the way for him to run again, Putin also has the right to be a candidate in the 2030 elections. 

News Source: 12punto