The only unknown factor about Putin's victory

Ahead of the Russian presidential election, which will take place from March 15-17, incumbent leader Vladimir Putin made a video address to the nation, emphasizing the importance of the election for the country's development.

This year's Russian presidential election is expected to have no surprises but is still closely watched by the whole world.

The presidential election is an important event that determines the further development of Russia, President Putin said in a speech on March 13.

“The results (of the election) will directly affect the country’s development in the coming years. This is an important, topical event,” state news agency TASS quoted Putin as saying. “That is why, as the incumbent head of state, I think it is necessary to address everyone today.”

Mr. Putin also called on Russian people to participate in the presidential election on March 15-17.

Russian President Vladimir Putin during an interview with Rossiya Segodnya news agency in Moscow, March 12, 2024. Photo: Al Jazeera

“We need to affirm our unity and determination to move forward together. Every vote counts. That is why I call on you to exercise your right to vote in the next three days,” said the longtime leader of the “Land of the Whites.”

“We will do everything the way we want. Therefore, I ask you to take part in the vote and express your position… vote for your candidate, the candidate you have chosen, for the successful future of our beloved Russia.”

He noted that people “will not only vote, but also declare their will and efforts, their personal participation in the further development of Russia because the elections are a step towards the future.”

Vladimir Putin has addressed the nation before federal elections eight times: in 2000, 2004, 2016, 2018 (twice before the presidential election and after the announcement of the results), in 2021, and in 2020 before the nationwide referendum on constitutional amendments.

Public opinion poll

The Federation Council (upper house) of Russia officially designated March 17 as the date for the 2024 Russian presidential election. The Central Election Commission of Russia (CEC) later announced that the vote would take place over 3 days, March 15-17.

Running in this year's election are four candidates, including New People's Party candidate Vladislav Davankov; independent candidate and incumbent President Vladimir Putin; Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) candidate Leonid Slutsky; and Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) candidate Nikolay Kharitonov.

An upset is unlikely, and Mr Putin is widely expected to win the election. The only unknown is how big a majority the Russian leader will win.

A poll of 1,600 adults conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) on March 2-3 showed that 75% of respondents would vote for Mr. Putin.

The other candidates, all pro-Kremlin and from parties that broadly support Mr Putin’s policies, were far behind: Davankov won 6%; Kharitonov, 4%; and Slutsky, 3%. The margin of sampling error is 2.5%.

Supporters of incumbent President Vladimir Putin take part in a rally ahead of elections, in the capital Grozny, Chechnya, Russia, March 10, 2024. Photo: CNN

The VCIOM poll from February also showed that three-quarters (75%) of respondents supported Mr Putin while support was roughly equal for Messrs Davankov (5%), Kharitonov (4%) and Slutsky (4%).

A survey by the Center for the Study of Russian Political Culture (CIPKR) on January 11-12 showed that Mr. Putin received 60% support, compared with 0.3% for Mr. Davankov, 4% for Mr. Kharitinov and 3% for Mr. Slutsky.

Support wholeheartedly

In a post on March 12, CNN said that all the people the American television station contacted at the large exhibition park in the northern suburbs of Moscow completely supported Mr. Putin.

The Soviet-era exhibition center is displaying “Russia” – the country's achievements in industry, agriculture, art and military.

Tens of thousands of people come here every week, and many of them are domestic tourists and their families visiting the capital, like pilgrims, from far-flung parts of Russia, flocking to Moscow.

“We will definitely vote for Putin, he has made Russia a much better country,” said Dmitry, a 41-year-old real estate agent from the Komi Republic, in Russia’s far north, who was visiting Moscow with his wife.

Asked by CNN about the war in Ukraine and whether he held Putin responsible for Russia's involvement, Dmitry replied: "No, we support him in this. Victory will be ours and if necessary, I will also go to fight."

Sergey, a 25-year-old office worker, said he felt his job was safe and stable, with good health benefits. He dismissed any suggestion that international sanctions against Russia had made the country poorer.

“I don't feel any impact of the sanctions as an ordinary Russian citizen,” Sergey asserted.

Artyom, a 30-year-old design engineer and ardent Putin supporter, said the war in Ukraine and tensions with the West had put Russia on the right track.

“Russia needs to be recognized on the world stage; we are not a second-class country,” Artyom told CNN.

Although election day has not yet arrived, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry, as of March 12, 2024, more than 40,000 Russians abroad have voted early. Photo: TASS

Election Observation

Regarding the upcoming Russian presidential election, TASS news agency quoted a statement from the European Union (EU) legislative body saying that the European Parliament (EP) will not observe or make any comments on this event.

“The European Parliament will not observe this election process and will therefore not comment on the process or the results that will be announced afterwards,” TASS quoted EP lawmakers David McAllister and Thomas Tobe as saying in a statement.

“No individual member of the European Parliament is authorised to observe or comment on this electoral process on behalf of the EP,” a statement posted on Mr McAllister’s personal website said.

“Therefore, if any member of the European Parliament decides to comment on this election, they do so only in their personal capacity, and in no case involve the European Parliament through any statement or action,” the lawmakers said.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan's Azer News website reported that a group of Azerbaijani parliamentarians will visit Moscow on March 14 to observe the Russian presidential election on a bilateral basis as well as as representatives of the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.

CIS is the English acronym for Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Russian acronym for CIS, of which Azerbaijan and Russia are members.

As part of the working trip, Azerbaijani parliamentarians will get acquainted with the preparations for the elections in Russia and monitor the process and activities of citizens on election day.

Although it is not yet election day, countless Russian voters abroad have already cast their ballots early. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told TASS that as of March 12, more than 40,000 people have cast their ballots, and early voting is taking place in 23 countries under the supervision of 29 election commissions, and there have been no serious incidents.

If he wins this year's election, Mr. Putin, 71 years old, will lead Russia for another 6 years, until 2030 .

Minh Duc (According to TASS, Newsweek, CNN, Azer News)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/bau-cu-tong-thong-nga-an-so-duy-nhat-ve-chien-thang-cua-ong-putin-a654078.html