In a highly controlled presidential election, Russians, responding to opposition calls for protest, showed up in large numbers on the last day of voting, amidst a backdrop of Ukrainian missile and drone attacks. With early returns indicating nearly 88% of the vote for President Vladimir Putin after 24% of precincts were counted, Putin is set to extend his rule, which has been marked by a severe crackdown on dissent.
The election, criticized for offering no real alternatives, saw Putin facing only token rivals. His most significant critic, Alexei Navalny, died last month, with other opposition figures jailed or in exile. Independent election monitoring was heavily restricted, and any criticism of Putin’s war in Ukraine was stifled.
Despite the tight control, significant turnout at noon on Sunday suggested a response to opposition calls to protest by voting, with some choosing to spoil their ballots as a form of dissent. However, there were those who expressed satisfaction with Putin’s leadership, wishing for the continuation of the current state of affairs.
The election also faced challenges from within, including attempts at vandalism and pressure on voters by law enforcement, reaching unprecedented levels according to election watchers. Meanwhile, outside Russia, large lines formed at diplomatic missions worldwide, with protests highlighting opposition to Putin’s rule.
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