Putin casts his vote online on first day of Russian presidential election

On Friday, President Vladimir Putin exercised his right to vote in the Russian presidential elections, which are currently taking place in the occupied regions of Ukraine. In a symbolic act, he cast his vote online, utilizing modern technology to participate in the democratic process.

🚨Update: The incumbent Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is running for another 6-year term, has cast his electronic vote in the presidential election today!! Polls predict a landslide!!pic.twitter.com/HZTsOu1NO6

— US Civil Defense News (@CaptCoronado) March 16, 2024

This event holds significance given the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. The elections serve as a crucial moment for Russia, and the world watches closely as citizens make their voices heard through the ballot box.

Images released by the Kremlin depict the long-standing Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, casting his vote online in the Russian presidential elections. In the photographs, he is seen voting at a computer in his office, waving to the camera.

As voters across Russia head to the polls, the outcome is all but certain: Vladimir Putin’s 24-year rule is expected to extend further. The Kremlin, rather than focusing on the winner, is closely monitoring voter turnout as a measure of public support for Putin’s leadership across this vast country.

Despite the lack of true opposition to Putin due to the Kremlin’s expanded control over Russian life, some voters expressed unwavering trust in the incumbent leader. Ninety-year-old Nina Kisileva, who has lived through various Soviet leaders, stated, “I remember when Stalin died, his funeral in 1953, I remember it well. And now I trust only Putin.” Svetlana Kulikova, who voted electronically, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing satisfaction with their current president.

Gauging public opinion has become challenging during the war, as dissent is met with crackdowns. However, Putin’s approval rating remains high at 86%, according to independent pollster Levada Center.

While there is little suspense in the election, a substantial turnout would further legitimize the ongoing conflict and reinforce the perception of national unity around Putin, who already holds the record as the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Stalin.

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