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The Putin Era Continues:The 2024 Russian Presidential Election

Courtesy/By: PARAM SAKET SARANG | 2024-03-22 17:26     Views : 169

The Putin Era Continues: The 2024 Russian Presidential Election

 

Introduction

A pivotal point in the political history of the country will be reached by the 2024 Russian Presidential Election. The election has drawn attention from around the world because of its possible effects on Russia's internal governance, foreign policy, and international relations, particularly as incumbent President Vladimir Putin approaches the end of his term limits as stipulated by the constitution. Within a 2000-word framework, this essay offers a thorough examination of the election's background, major contenders, sociopolitical factors, and expected results.

With 87.97% of the vote, Russian President Vladimir Putin, 71, emerged victorious in the most recent presidential election, according to the results released on Sunday, March 17. He is expected to serve a six-year term, making him Russia's longest-serving head of state in almost 200 years.

 

4 members are in this election including President Putin

  • Nikolai Kharitonov

Kharitonov, 75, is a member of the Communist Party and the lower chamber of the Russian parliament. Placing second, he received about 4.7% of the total votes.

Putin defeated him in presidential contests earlier in 2004. It's not for me to say, he responded when a BBC reporter recently questioned him about why he would make a better president than Vladimir Putin. That wouldn't be appropriate.

 

  • Vladislav Davankov

Vladislav Davankov, a 40-year-old member of the New People party, received 3.6% of the total vote.

He was the Deputy Chairman of the lower chamber of parliament, according to Reuters, and he is a member of the New People political party, which his father assisted in founding in 2020.

According to Reuters, "Davankov has attempted to position himself as someone who is more liberal in the context of Russian politics and as someone who is opposed to excessive curbs on people's freedom.”

 

  • Leonid Slutsky

Leonid Slutsky, the nominee for the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), came in fourth in the polls with 2.5 per cent of the vote. He is the head of the foreign affairs committee of the lower house of parliament. In the 2018 elections, he ran as well and received about 6% of the vote.

The ideology of his party is perceived as ultranationalist. "It aims to restore the Russian empire as well as foster greater political and economic ties with the Middle East as opposed to Europe and the United States," the US Library of Congress states.

 

Socio-Political Landscape

A wide range of socioeconomic circumstances, political connections, and ideological tendencies are reflected in the Russian electorate. While some demographics continue to strongly support Putin, especially the elderly and those living in rural areas, a growing number of younger urban voters are expressing discontent with the current state of affairs.

Moreover, regional divisions, socioeconomic gaps, and cultural conflicts influence voter preferences and political mobilization tactics by forming electoral dynamics. The election environment is further impacted by the government's control over media narratives, internet censorship, and prohibitions on political protest, which restrict the reach of opposition campaigns and alternative voices.

 

Foreign Affairs and Global Consequences

The results of the 2024 election will have a big impact on international relations and Russia's foreign policy outlook. Russia adopted an assertive foreign policy agenda under Putin's direction, one that included clashes with Western countries, strategic alliances with other authoritarian governments, and operations in nearby regions.

Putin's term as president could indicate that Russia's foreign policy goals will not change, keeping a balance between geopolitical aggression and practical participation. On the other hand, a shift in political leadership or major electoral obstacles would create unpredictability and change Russia's connections with important partners like the US, the EU, and its neighbours.

Russia is Significant in the global Arena

  • Geopolitical Influence:- With a landmass that includes both Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, Russia is the largest nation in the world.

  • Russian Nuclear Power:- Russia is a major nuclear power, with one of the greatest nuclear arsenals in the world.

  • Energy Resources:- Russia is a major producer and exporter of natural gas and oil worldwide.

  • Membership in the UN Security Council:- Russia has the right to veto Security Council resolutions because it is one of the organization's five permanent members.

  • Collaboration against Terrorism:- Russia actively participates in international and national counterterrorism initiatives.

  • Space Exploration:- Russia is a major player in the global space industry and has a long history of space exploration.

  • Historical Legacies:- Russia's rich past, which includes centuries of conquest, revolutions, and ideological changes, continues to shape its national character and affect how it engages with the outside world.

  • Collaboration against Terrorism:- Russia actively participates in international and national counterterrorism initiatives.

  • Cyber Warfare:-Russia has a reputation for having highly developed skills in both information operations and cyber warfare.

 

About Vladimir Putin

  • On October 7, 1952, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin was born in Leningrad, Russia (now Saint Petersburg).

  • He presided over Russia as president twice, first in 2000 and then in 2008.

  • Putin served as an officer in the KGB, the primary security organization of the Soviet Union, where he attained the rank of lieutenant colonel before becoming president.

  • Putin's political career started when he worked for Mayor Anatoly Sobchak in the St. Petersburg city government in the early 1990s.

  • President Boris Yeltsin nominated Putin as prime minister in 1999, and after Yeltsin resigned, Putin took over as acting president later that year.

  • Putin was re-elected to the presidency in 2018 for a fourth term, having won the presidency in 2000, 2004, and 2012.

  • Since Joseph Stalin, he has been Russia's longest-serving leader.

  • Strong, centralized control over political institutions and a commitment to elevating Russia back to the rank of a significant world power are traits of Putin's leadership style.

  • His admirers have commended him for bringing order and pride back to the country as well as for stabilizing Russia's economy during the chaotic 1990s.

  • Opponents charge Putin's administration with authoritarian tendencies, stifling political criticism, and restricting press freedom.

  • Russia's foreign policy has changed significantly under Putin's leadership, with the country becoming more active in conflicts like the 2014 annexation of Crimea and its military participation in Syria.

  • He has maintained a combative posture toward Western democracies but has developed close ties with other authoritarian leaders, such as those of China and North Korea.

  • International condemnation of Putin's administration has been directed towards purported violations of human rights, including the persecution of activists, journalists, and political rivals.

  • Russia's economy has grown under Putin because of its energy resources, but there are still issues including corruption, economic inequality, and reliance on gas and oil exports.

  • During his administration, he deepened connections with the Russian Orthodox Church and advocated orthodox social norms.

  • Many Russians continue to find Putin to be quite popular, especially older generations and those living in rural areas, who see him as a symbol of stability and pride in their country.

  • He has occasionally been the target of demonstrations, most notably those led by opposition leaders like Alexei Navalny in 2011–2012 and 2021.

  • Putin's brand is meticulously cultivated through planned photo ops and public appearances in the media, which present him as a powerful, resolute leader.

  • He is well-known for his judo prowess and has frequently been seen enjoying outdoor pursuits including fishing, hunting, and horseback riding.

  • A cult of personality has surrounded Putin's administration, with his likeness frequently appearing in propaganda and popular culture as a representation of the tenacity and resiliency of the Russian people.

  • Many stories and conspiracy theories have been made about him, especially about his time spent in the KGB and charges of corruption.

  • The United States, the European Union, and other nations have imposed economic sanctions on Russia as a result of the tensions that his policies have caused with the West.

  • There are concerns regarding the political trajectory of Russia following Putin's presidency as he continues to be a prominent force in the country's politics despite rumours regarding his plans. There is now no apparent successor to Putin.

 

Conclusion

The 2024 Russian Presidential Election represents a pivotal moment in the nation's political trajectory, with implications extending beyond its borders. With Vladimir Putin securing a landslide victory, his continuation in office is likely to shape Russia's internal governance, foreign policy, and international relations for the foreseeable future. The election outcome underscores Putin's enduring popularity among a significant segment of the population and raises questions about the trajectory of Russian democracy. Moreover, it highlights the challenges faced by opposition figures and the enduring dominance of Putin's leadership. As Russia navigates through this electoral milestone, the world watches with keen interest, mindful of the election's implications for global stability, geopolitical dynamics, and the future of Russo-Western relations. The coming years will witness how Putin's presidency unfolds and how it shapes Russia's place in the international community, marking a significant chapter in the country's political history.

 

Reference

Courtesy/By: PARAM SAKET SARANG | 2024-03-22 17:26