In Russia, the presidential elections have started. Already, over a million people have voted, according to local media reports. On social media, there are updates on how the voting is progressing. Interestingly, a vote can be cast alongside items such as a Tucker Carlson cutout or a portrait of Vladimir Putin, who is the prominent favourite and current ruler of Russia.
Cardboard Tucker Carlson and a portrait of Putin - these are the choices in Russia
Voting at Russian polling stations is set to continue until 17 March. Voters have four candidates to choose from in the search for a new president. However, it's widely acknowledged that the elections are merely a formality, and Putin is expected to remain in power.
The election period has not been without its peculiar moments. The Belarusian news portal "Nexta" disclosed that in Chelyansk, a clock featuring Vladimir Putin, which was perceived to be indirectly promoting the candidate, was removed after an independent observer's request. Similarly, in Voronezh, a portrait of Putin was covered up at a polling station.
Perhaps the most bizarre incident was reported in Tyumen, located in the Asian part of Russia, where voters found themselves in the company of a cardboard cutout of Tucker Carlson. The American journalist, known for his recent interview with Putin and the resulting controversy, was used as a photo opportunity for voters at this station.
In the Murmansk region, voters are enticed with the offer of family photos as a reward for voting.
The "Truha Ukraina" channel on Telegram shared more oddities from the election process. In one instance, a woman broke into a "czastushka" — a short, folk song popular in Russia — within a polling station. In another, two individuals dressed as knights put on quite a spectacle, aiming to promote voter engagement and visits to polling stations.
According to "The Moscow Times", various regions have reported the use of pens with disappearing ink.
"The writing vanishes upon heating, though the pen appears normal. Everyone was instructed to remain silent and hide their writing tools," stated the report based on a resident of Kursk's account.
It was noted that the pens were presented in boxes bearing the logo of the stationery company BiC alongside the official emblem of the presidential elections of the Central Election Commission. A similar situation was reported in Rostov-on-Don.
Western media sources suggest that such dubious tactics have been a part of Russian elections since 2009. In light of these developments, opposition groups have called for protests scheduled for Sunday.
