The upcoming Russian presidential elections in 2024 are poised to be a crucial event, attracting widespread attention both nationally and internationally. Scheduled for March 15–17, with a potential re-election on April 7 if needed, the elections will determine the country’s leadership for the next term. This article delves into the candidates, polling predictions, result dates, and the significance of this electoral process.
Russia Presidential Elections Candidates:
Four candidates have been authorized by the Central Election Commission to run for president in 2024:
- Vladimir Putin: Running as an independent, Putin is seeking a fifth term. Backed by A Just Russia – For Truth and United Russia, he is the frontrunner with widespread predictions of victory.
- Nikolay Kharitonov: The nominee of the Communist Party, Kharitonov, a former candidate in 2004, is currently a member of the State Duma.
- Leonid Slutsky: Nominated by the Liberal Democratic Party, Slutsky, also a member of the State Duma, is the party’s leader.
- Vladislav Davankov: Representing the New People party, Davankov, a member of the State Duma and deputy chairman, has the backing of the Party of Growth.
- Other potential candidates, including prominent opposition figure Alexei Navalny, face obstacles such as intimidation, harassment, or rejection by the authorities.
Russia Elections Poll Predictions:
As of the latest polls conducted by the Levada Center, the current President Vladimir Putin holds a strong lead with a 65% popularity rating. The survey indicates a 66% chance of Putin securing the nomination over his opponents. Notably, 58% of Russians express support for the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, further influencing the political landscape.
Result Date and Process:
The anticipated date for announcing the Russian presidential election results in 2024 is March 18, 2024. However, a second round is slated for April 7, 2024, if none of the candidates secure more than half of the vote in the initial round. The winner is expected to take office on May 7, 2024, officially.
Winning Prediction:
Given Vladimir Putin’s high popularity rating, lack of significant opponents, and the ability to run for a fifth term due to constitutional revisions, many anticipate his victory. However, concerns about the election’s fairness, including issues such as electoral fraud, media control, and political repression, raise questions about the legitimacy of the process.
Importance of the 2024 Elections:
The Russian presidential elections of 2024 hold immense importance for various reasons:
- Potential Fifth Term for Putin: If successful, Putin’s fifth term would make him the longest-serving head of state in Russia since Stalin.
- Assessment of Electoral System Legitimacy: The elections will evaluate the fairness and legitimacy of Russia’s electoral system, criticized for political repression, media censorship, and electoral fraud.
- Reflection of Popular Support: The results will reflect the level of popular support for Putin and his policies amid economic challenges, social unrest, and international isolation.
- Impact on Domestic and Foreign Policy: The outcome will significantly influence Russia’s future domestic and foreign policies, shaping its relationships with global players like the US, Europe, China, and the Middle East.
The Russian presidential elections of 2024 are poised to shape the nation’s trajectory, with Vladimir Putin as the frontrunner. As the electoral process unfolds, the world will closely watch the results and their implications for Russia’s domestic and international landscape.
