Putin moves a step closer to a fifth term as president after Russia sets 2024 election date

A: The 2024 presidential election in Russia is scheduled for March 17, 2024.

A: As of now, Vladimir Putin has not officially announced his intention to run for the 2024 election, but it is widely expected that he will do so in the coming days now that the election date has been set.

A: Constitutional reforms orchestrated by Putin allow him to seek two more six-year terms after his current one expires in 2024, potentially allowing him to remain in power until 2036.

A: Most prominent critics who could challenge Putin on the ballot are either in jail or living abroad, and most independent media have been banned, making Putin’s victory in the election all but assured.

A: Candidates in Russia’s presidential election must either be nominated by one of the five political parties with seats in the State Duma or gather tens of thousands of signatures from multiple regions. The specific signature requirements vary depending on whether they are running as independent candidates or with party support.

A: It is more likely that Putin will run as an independent candidate, as he values himself highly and running independently provides more flexibility in the campaign. However, the final decision is yet to be confirmed.

A: The central election commission plans to implement online voting in addition to traditional paper ballots in about 30 Russian regions. There is also consideration of stretching the voting across three days. However, these measures, along with recent restrictions on monitoring, may limit the presence of independent observers, affecting transparency in the electoral process.

A: The 2024 presidential election in Russia is seen more as a “ritual” than a competitive electoral process. It measures the loyalty of regional elites and indicates the functioning of the political system under Putin’s leadership.