NewsPutin poised for victory in contentious Russian elections

Putin poised for victory in contentious Russian elections

Putin in the president's chair will outdo Yeltsin and Stalin.
Putin in the president's chair will outdo Yeltsin and Stalin.
Images source: © Kremlin, Wikimedia
Mateusz Kaluga

15 March 2024 09:11

The ongoing presidential elections in Russia are expected to secure another term for Vladimir Putin. The dictator has been ruling the country with only a brief interruption since 1999. He can remain in office until 2036, surpassing some of the greatest figures in Russian history, including Joseph Stalin himself.

Everyone agrees. This year's presidential elections in Russia are a sham. They formally intend to extend Vladimir Putin's term. A few years earlier, a referendum was conducted that allowed Putin, through a constitutional amendment, to have the possibility of ruling until 2036.

Vladimir Putin's reign is the longest in the country's history

Vladimir Putin has been the President of Russia since 1999. From 2008 to 2012, he held the position of Prime Minister. In modern Russian history, he is among the leaders with the longest rule. He has already surpassed, among others, Leonid Brezhnev (18 years), and Nikita Khrushchev (11 years and 6 months). Boris Yeltsin, whom he succeeded and who governed for less than 3,000 days, is far behind.

Vladimir Putin has only Joseph Stalin left to surpass. The dictator was in power from 1924-1953 (until his death), i.e., for 29 years. Interestingly, if Vladimir Putin completes his term (which lasts until 2036), he will surpass one of the most brutal tyrants in human history. And his great role model, which he does not hide.

Putin's rule until 2036 would mean that he becomes the longest-reigning ruler of Russia since the 18th century. Only Empress Catherine, who reigned from 1762 to 1796, remains ahead of him. If Vladimir Putin wanted to surpass her, he would have to hold the "Kremlin throne" until 2036. However, his age could be a limitation for the dictator.

In more than a decade, Vladimir Putin will be over 82 years old. And it is already said that he has serious health problems and often uses his body doubles. Moreover, the outcome of the war in Ukraine, which the Russians have not yet won and may never win, is unknown. And a defeat would pose a significant threat to him.

Presidential elections in Russia. Who is running?

It is worth noting that on the election lists, alongside Putin, there are also: Vladislav Davankov, Vice Chairman of the Russian Duma and member of the New People party, Leonid Slutsky, leader of the Kremlin-loyal Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR), and the Communist Party candidate Nikolai Charitonov.

All are puppets and people who are subordinate to the will of Putin and his collaborators. None of these candidates have a chance of electoral success.

The Russian authorities, however, did not allow anyone who could be a real oppositionist, or opponent of the war in Ukraine, to run in the election. It has long been known that this vote is to be won by Vladimir Putin and that his people will do everything to make it happen. The elections in Russia will take place on March 15-17.

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