Russian presidential elections to conclude

Russian Presidential elections will conclude today.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is widely expected to win this election, which has been criticized as secretive and unjust by international election observers. It comes just two years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and one month after the death of Opposition Leader Alexi Navalny. Putin’s conservative and hawkish campaign platform has largely consisted of a need to continue the Ukraine invasion, and to grow the military industry within Russia. Putin has touted the Russian economy’s resilience after Western sanctions. In his next administration, Putin could increase the production of military equipment and natural gas to continue this trend. If Putin wins, this election will reveal his further consolidation of power.

Putin will likely interpret his election victory as a referendum on the Russian public’s approval of the war in Ukraine and his centralized power in general. Voters have been pressured to vote for Putin in occupied areas in Ukraine, which Moscow could brand as support for the invasion from those areas. Before this election, Putin has not lightened up on his crackdown on political opponents. Putin’s next administration will likely continue to enact measures to disrupt and terminate political dissent.