This resounding win further solidifies Putin’s firm grasp on power, propelling him into a new six-year term that, if completed, will surpass Josef Stalin’s tenure, making Putin the longest-serving leader in Russia’s modern history.
Putin’s ascent to power began in 1999, stemming from his background as a former KGB lieutenant colonel. He has since become a dominant figure in Russian politics, with his recent victory signalling a continuation of his leadership for the foreseeable future. Moreover, Putin has conveyed a clear message to the West, emphasising that Russia, under his leadership, will remain a force to be reckoned with both in times of conflict and peace.
The remarkable margin of victory, as indicated by the Public Opinion Foundation’s exit poll, underscores Putin’s widespread support among the Russian populace. The Russian Public Opinion Research Centre also corroborated this sentiment, reporting Putin’s approval rating at 87%. Official results have validated these initial assessments, further affirming the magnitude of Putin’s electoral success.
However, despite Putin’s overwhelming victory, criticism has emerged from various quarters, including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These nations, among others, have raised concerns over the fairness of the election, citing the imprisonment of political opponents and instances of censorship as compromising factors.
In terms of electoral contenders, Communist candidate Nikolai Kharitonov emerged as the runner-up with a modest share of the vote, followed by newcomer Vladislav Davankov and ultra-nationalist Leonid Slutsky. Despite the diverse field, Putin’s dominance remained unchallenged throughout the election process.
In his victory speech delivered in Moscow, Putin outlined his priorities for the upcoming term, emphasising the resolution of issues related to Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine and the strengthening of the Russian military. This reaffirmed Putin’s commitment to bolstering Russia’s geopolitical standing and addressing key domestic and international challenges.
