Putin secures 87.28% of votes amidst global outcry over election legitimacy
The Central Electoral Commission has announced that Vladimir Putin won the presidential "election" with 87.28% of the vote, after all ballots were counted. Participation was high, with 77.44% of eligible Russians casting their vote. Countries around the world advocating for freedom have clearly stated they will not congratulate the leader or recognize the legitimacy of this election.
10:57 AM EDT, March 18, 2024
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The electoral process has concluded, and the victor declared. What comes as a surprise to some is the "modest" percentage of votes Putin secured during the three-day election. Complete vote counting revealed that the Russian leader won 87.28% of the votes, with an impressive 77.44% voter turnout.
A dominant display by Putin
The tallies for the three challengers are inconsequential—only one managed to surpass the 4% mark. The others barely received more than 3% of the votes each.
Putin is set for a fifth term in office, striving to become Russia's longest-serving ruler with a legacy marked by autocracy.
Global reaction to Russia's elections
The elections were held across Russia, including in territories of Ukraine illegally annexed by the Kremlin. Reports highlighted that individuals were transported en masse to voting centers, often casting their ballots under the watchful eyes of soldiers, police, or security personnel.
Western nations have openly declared their refusal to extend congratulations to Putin.
From March 15-17, Russia conducted what it called presidential elections, under "extreme repression against society, hindering a free and democratic choice," according to a statement from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "These 'elections' cannot be recognized as legitimate, free, or fair," it further noted.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron remarked on Sunday that the presidential elections in Russia, securing another term for Putin, did not represent a free or fair process.
"Sham elections": A facade of democracy
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis highlighted on Monday that the pretense of the Russian presidential elections, conducted under severe limitations on civil and political freedoms, cannot be acknowledged as genuine elections.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the intensified repression against "any opposition to the ruling regime" and "increasing restrictions on freedom of expression." It condemned the organization of the so-called "elections" in Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will refrain from sending Vladimir Putin congratulatory wishes for his victory in the so-called presidential elections in Russia, according to a spokesperson. The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the event as "sham elections" that were "neither free nor fair."
The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, criticized the presidential elections in Russia as "neither free nor legitimate". He also mentioned that anti-Kremlin opposition leader Alexei Navalny was "barred from running in the election".
