Moscow: Russia’s election commission hailed what it called “record” results for President Vladimir Putin on Monday, securing him a fifth term in office in an election lacking credible opposition.
The Kremlin portrayed the weekend’s election as evidence of Russian support for Putin’s actions in Ukraine, despite incidents like ballot spoilage and Ukrainian strikes on border regions.
Putin’s victory, though expected, sets him on course to become Russia’s longest-serving leader in over two centuries. His major opponents are dead, imprisoned, or in exile, with voting taking place shortly after the death of his main challenger, Alexei Navalny, in a northern prison.
Kremlin-friendly election chief Ella Pamfilova announced that “almost 76 million people” voted for Putin, marking a record figure. Putin’s leadership has seen Russia isolate itself from the West due to the 2022 Ukraine campaign.
In his victory speech, Putin vowed to resist external pressure and declared unity in the face of Western opposition. He has maintained a strongman image, framing his actions as necessary to preserve Russian identity.
Putin’s Ukraine campaign coincided with a domestic crackdown, resulting in a rise in political prisoners. Opposition calls for election protests led to long queues at polling stations both inside and outside Russia, with incidents of spoiled ballots and voting booth fires reported.
Putin dismissed opposition protests as ineffective and vowed consequences for those who spoiled their ballots. The election also extended to Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, where Ukrainian attacks on Russian border areas led to casualties.
Unlike previous elections, Putin’s victory this time drew criticism from Western leaders, with UK Foreign Minister David Cameron denouncing the election process.
While some countries, including China, North Korea, Venezuela, and Myanmar congratulated Putin on his record win.
Yulia Navalnaya, wife of Alexei Navalny, stood in solidarity with supporters outside the Moscow embassy, writing Navalny’s name on her ballot.
Putin acknowledged Navalny’s death for the first time publicly, confirming discussions about a prisoner swap with the West before Navalny’s death. Navalny’s allies allege Putin’s involvement in Navalny’s death, adding to a series of mysterious deaths among Putin’s opponents.
