This election marks the eighth presidential contest since the inception of the Russian Federation.

Candidates have begun to declare their intentions, with Boris Nadezhdin emerging as the first contender, representing an anti-war platform. Incumbent President Vladimir Putin followed suit in December 2023, seeking re-election under the backdrop of constitutional amendments passed in 2020. Other candidates include Leonid Slutsky of the LDPR, Nikolay Kharitonov of the Communist Party, and Vladislav Davankov of New People.

However, the election process has not been without its obstacles. Nadezhdin, the sole anti-war candidate, faced disqualification on 8 February 2024, amid allegations of irregularities in voter signatures. Many suspect political motives behind his exclusion, given his opposition to Putin's administration. Navalny, a prominent opposition figure, was also barred from running due to a prior criminal conviction, with his death in jail under suspicious circumstances in February 2024 further muddying the electoral landscape.

Amidst these challenges, observers express skepticism regarding the fairness and transparency of the election. Concerns over political repression, particularly in light of Russia's conflict with Ukraine, loom large, with accusations leveled against Putin's government for stifling dissent and manipulating the electoral process.

As Russia prepares for the polls, the world watches closely, anticipating the outcome of a crucial political moment in the nation's history. (ILKHA)