Putin Poised for Fifth Term Amidst Election Manipulation and Opposition Suppression

As Russia prepares for its presidential election, the Kremlin's strategies ensure Putin's victory, while the opposition faces severe crackdowns.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to win his fifth term in the upcoming presidential election, thanks to constitutional amendments that could extend his rule until 2036.
The Kremlin has taken steps to eliminate opposition, including the disqualification of antiwar candidate Boris Nadezhdin and the death of Alexei Navalny in prison, which has been widely attributed to the state.
The election process includes novel measures such as a three-day voting period and online voting in 29 regions, amid concerns over fairness and vote rigging.
Putin's rule has been marked by increasing authoritarianism, with critics and opposition figures facing imprisonment or forced exile, and a crackdown on antiwar sentiment.
Economic and demographic challenges loom large for Russia, as the war in Ukraine and government policies strain the country's resources and population.