If the Russian presidential election seemed to be over before it even began, the scale of the abstention could play spoilsport in Vladimir Putin’s expected victory.
Since Friday March 15 and until Sunday March 17, 2024, more than 112 million Russians are called to the polls. While there is not the slightest doubt that Vladimir Putin will be re-elected for a third consecutive presidential term, and a fifth since his first victory in 2000, the opposition having notably been ruled out, the vote is not without its challenges. In the midst of the war against Ukraine, for Vladimir Putin it is a matter of proving to the world that Russia is united behind him.
The master of the Kremlin thus called on Thursday to go to the polls to express “a civil and patriotic position”. And to insist: “We must confirm our unity and our determination to move forward.” While he had gathered 76.69% of the votes during the previous presidential election in 2018, and already 64.35% of the votes in 2012, 71.22% in 2004 and 52.94% during his very first victory in 2000, Vladimir Putin intends, as in the last three elections, to be elected in the first round. According to the independent Russian-speaking media Meduzathe Putin camp’s goal would be a score of 80% votes in his favor.
A 70% participation rate hoped for by the Kremlin
If a lower score could be proof that Vladimir Putin’s winning machine was not up to par, there is one figure that could annoy the master of the Kremlin even more: that of abstention. Because according to observers, this is one of the main issues of this election. In the absence of a candidate accepted by the authorities, Vladimir Putin’s detractors could be content not to vote.
Established at 31.36% in 2000, 35.68% in 2004, 34.73% in 2012 and 32.46% in 2018, will abstention be greater than in previous elections? As relayed BFMTVthe Kremlin is aiming for a participation rate of 70% and, to do this, the regional authorities have been mobilized for many months in order to exert a certain pressure on the Russians so that they go to the voting booth.
But in the opposition, we are also active. With others, the widow of Vladimir Putin’s former number 1 opponent, Yulia Navalnaïa, notably called for a massive vote to go to the polls on Sunday at noon to demonstrate their opposition to the current power, but also to vote for “no matter what.” which candidate except Putin” or to slip ballots marked “Navalny” in order to make them invalid, as reported West France.