Russian Presidential Election 2024: The Farce of Fake Candidates and Fixed Results
As Russia gears up for its eighth presidential election since the fall of the Soviet Union, the atmosphere surrounding the 2024 election is clouded with skepticism and concerns over its legitimacy. Scheduled for March 15–17, 2024, the election is expected to extend Vladimir Putin’s rule, which began in 1999, until at least 2030, marking his fifth term in office.
The Illusion of Choice in a Controlled Democracy
Vladimir Putin, who announced his candidacy in December 2023, is poised for an almost certain victory. The Russian political landscape is heavily dominated by Putin, with minimal room for genuine political competition or opposition. The candidates challenging Putin, such as Leonid Slutsky of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, Nikolay Kharitonov of the Communist Party of Russia, and Vladislav Davankov of the New People party, are seen as either allies or non-threats to Putin’s dominance. They have notably refrained from criticizing Putin or his policies.
Notably absent from the election race is Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition leader and critic of Putin’s regime. Navalny’s political journey has been marred by arrests, attacks, and imprisonment, resulting in his ineligibility to run for office due to a politically motivated conviction.
International Perspective and Human Rights Concerns
The West often views Putin as a war criminal and dictator, despite some Russian opinion polls indicating high approval ratings. International election monitors have raised concerns about the lack of genuine competition and restrictions on fundamental freedoms in previous Russian elections. The 2018 election, for instance, was marked by limited political engagement and an uneven playing field due to extensive and uncritical media coverage of the incumbent.
Human rights organizations like OVD-Info have reported numerous detentions and legal cases against Russian citizens for anti-war activities. These actions by the Russian authorities indicate a broader effort to suppress dissent and control the political narrative.
Regional Politics and the Shadow of the Ukraine Conflict
The ongoing war with Ukraine and its ramifications on Russian politics cannot be overlooked. The war has influenced local and regional politics, with protests and activism emerging in response to various issues indirectly exacerbated by the conflict. These include increased public utility costs and other bread-and-butter issues. The federal government’s control over the political agenda, coupled with the war’s impact, has led to a significant shift in the dynamics of protest movements and public discourse in Russia.
The Future of Russian Politics
Looking ahead, the 2024 presidential election in Russia is more than just a political event; it’s a reflection of the current state of Russian democracy and the extent of Putin’s grip on power. The outcome of this election, likely favoring Putin, will further cement his position as one of the longest-serving leaders in Russian history, comparable to Joseph Stalin in tenure. However, the legitimacy of this election remains a subject of significant debate and concern, both within Russia and internationally.
