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Putin, who initially ascended to power in 1999 as a former KGB lieutenant colonel, emphasized that this victory should signal to Western nations that they must engage with a more assertive Russia, in times of both conflict and peace, for many years ahead.
Election results confirm Putin’s dominance
- The election unfolded with little room for protest. Russians flocked to polling stations on Sunday, responding to an opposition call to express their discontent with Putin. However, the outcome was preordained: Putin’s landslide victory underscores his unwavering control over the nation’s political landscape. His nearly quarter-century rule now extends for six more years.
- This result signifies that Putin, at the age of 71, is poised to begin another six-year term, potentially surpassing Josef Stalin to become the longest-serving Russian leader in over two centuries, provided he serves the full term.
- Achieving 87.8% of the vote, as per the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM) exit poll, marks the highest outcome in the post-Soviet history of Russia. The Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) reported a slightly lower percentage for Putin, at 87%. Initial official figures matched these exit polls. International responses, including those from the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, criticized the election as neither free nor fair, pointing out issues such as the jailing of political adversaries and media censorship.
- In the election, Communist candidate Nikolai Kharitonov came in second with just below 4%, followed by newcomer Vladislav Davankov and ultra-nationalist Leonid Slutsky, according to early results.
- In his victory address in Moscow,
Putin committed to focusing on the objectives related to what he describes as Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine and vowed to bolster the Russian military forces.
Why it matters
The election’s outcome underscores Putin’s unyielding grip on Russian politics, extending his rule to nearly three decades. This result not only reflects the suppressed state of political opposition but also indicates a broader acceptance, or resignation, among the Russian populace towards Putin’s leadership model. With critics silenced and opposition figures like Alexei Navalny neutralized, Putin’s path was largely unobstructed.
The big picture
Global reactions have been swift and critical. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron labeled the elections as neither free nor fair, pointing to the lack of genuine electoral choice and independent monitoring. The elections took place amid a backdrop of international scrutiny, with Putin’s actions in Ukraine and the suppression of internal dissent drawing widespread condemnation.
What they are saying
- Putin hailed the victory as a testament to national unity and resilience against external pressures.
- “No matter who or how much they want to intimidate us, no matter who or how much they want to suppress us, our will, our consciousness — no one has ever succeeded in anything like this in history. It has not worked now and will not work in the future. Never,” Putin said.
- In stark contrast, Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, expressed a no-negotiation stance towards Putin, labeling him a “killer” and a “gangster”.
- “There is no evil he will not commit to prolong his personal power,” Ukraine President Zelensky said.
- Meanwhile, international leaders and election watchdogs have criticized the electoral process, highlighting the challenges in achieving a fair political landscape in Russia.
Putin: Russia-Nato conflict is just one step from WW3
- Asked by Reuters about the Macron remarks and the risks and possibility of a conflict between Russia and Nato, Putin quipped: “everything is possible in the modern world.”
- “It is clear to everyone, that this will be one step away from a full-scale World War Three. I think hardly anyone is interested in this,” Putin told reporters after securing the most significant victory in post-Soviet Russian elections.
- Putin also mentioned that Nato forces were already operational in Ukraine, noting that communications in both English and French were intercepted on the battlefield.
- “There is nothing good in this, first of all for them, because they are dying there and in large numbers,” he said.
What next
With Putin’s extended tenure, the global community watches closely as Russia navigates internal discontent and external pressures. The election aftermath might prompt further international sanctions or diplomatic strategies aimed at addressing the autocratic drift. Domestically, the dissatisfied factions may seek new methods to voice opposition, although Putin’s stronghold and the suppression mechanisms in place pose significant barriers.
Between the lines
This election not only cements Putin’s hold over Russia but also sends a strong message to the international community about the country’s internal dynamics and foreign policy direction. As tensions simmer between Russia and the West, particularly concerning Ukraine and NATO, the global geopolitical landscape remains delicately balanced, with Putin’s Russia playing a central role.
(With inputs from agencies)
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