Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially declared his intention to run for re-election in the March 2024 presidential race, taking a significant stride toward a potential fifth term in office.
Putin, who has been a dominant force in Russian politics for the past two decades, is widely expected to secure another victory, maintaining his stronghold on the nation’s political landscape. The announcement comes amidst Putin’s firm grip on power, having implemented constitutional reforms in 2020, enabling him to seek two additional six-year terms after his current term concludes in 2023. If successful, this could extend his tenure until 2036, surpassing even the reign of Joseph Stalin.
The election, scheduled for March 17, will mark a pivotal moment in Russian politics, especially considering it comes on the heels of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Notably, voting will also take place in territories claimed by Russia, parts of Ukraine now under Russian control.
Putin’s decision to announce his candidacy after awarding soldiers involved in the Ukrainian conflict suggests a strategic move to link the war with his re-election campaign. Analysts speculate that this serves as an attempt to legitimize the invasion and demonstrate widespread support for the war among the Russian population.
Two other candidates, Boris Nadezhdin, a former lawmaker, and Yekaterina Duntsova, a journalist and lawyer, have already announced their plans to run. However, the political landscape is also expected to include Kremlin-friendly candidates, following the orchestrated system often described as “managed democracy.”
The upcoming election holds significant implications for Putin’s control over the country, particularly in the aftermath of challenges from within the elite, such as the failed summer uprising led by Wagner head Evgeniy Prigozhin.
In response to Putin’s candidacy, opposition figure Alexei Navalny, currently in prison, has urged Russians to vote against Putin. Navalny views the 2024 elections as a referendum on Putin’s actions, including the war in Ukraine. Navalny’s allies have taken a bold step by placing anti-Putin billboards across major cities, challenging the regime under the guise of New Year’s greetings.
As Russia braces for this pivotal election, the political landscape remains charged with both domestic and international ramifications.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
