Vladimir Putin Announces Candidacy as an Independent in the 2024 Presidential Elections
Russian Lawmakers Schedule Presidential Election for March 17, 2024 On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted his candidacy documents as an independent candidate for the 2024 presidential election to Russia’s Central Election Commission, as reported by ABC News.
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Putin personally submitted these documents. Prior to this, supporters of Putin had already nominated him as an independent candidate for the upcoming election.
Per Russian election law, independent candidates must be endorsed by a group of at least 500 supporters and must collect a minimum of 300,000 signatures of support from 40 or more regions.
The group endorsing Putin included high-ranking officials from the ruling United Russia party, prominent Russian actors and singers, athletes, and other public figures.
Putin has employed various strategies in previous elections. In 2018, he ran as an independent, and his campaign gathered signatures. In 2012, he ran as a nominee of the Kremlin’s United Russia party, eliminating the need for signatures.
Earlier this month, Russian lawmakers officially scheduled the country’s 2024 presidential election for March 17, bringing Putin a step closer to a potential fifth term in office.
Putin initiated constitutional reforms that render him eligible to pursue two additional six-year terms after his current term expires next year, potentially extending his tenure until 2036.
Given Putin’s firm control over Russia’s political system, developed over his 24 years in power, his reelection in March is practically assured. Significant critics who might challenge him on the ballot are either incarcerated or residing abroad, and most independent media outlets have been banned.
Reuters notes that the election appears to be a formality for the 71-year-old president, as with state support, media backing, and minimal mainstream public dissent, he is expected to secure victory.
