Support signatures for the Russian president’s candidacy, Vladimir Putin, were officially collected from thirteen regional offices and delivered to the central election center at Gostiny Dvor in Moscow. The information comes from TASS, Russia’s news agency. These petitions were reported to have originated from Bashkortostan, Mordovia, Tatarstan, Chuvashia, Udmurtia, Mari El, as well as the regions of Kirov, Orenburg, Penza, Saratov, Samara, and Ulyanovsk, plus the Perm Territory. The inflow follows an earlier report that petition forms had already been received from 45 regions in total, and election authorities are now in the process of verifying and tallying the documents. [Source: TASS]
At a Kremlin ceremony held on December 8, where the Gold Star medal was awarded to Russia’s heroes, Putin publicly stated his intention to participate in the forthcoming presidential elections. The veteran politician has previously served as president in four terms, first in 2000, then 2004, followed by a return in 2012 and again in 2018, underscoring the long arc of his leadership. [Source: Kremlin announcements]
For the 2024 presidential race, the election date was scheduled for March 17, with the inauguration planned for May 7, 2024. In the lead-up to election day, polling hours were set from 08:00 to 20:00 local time. Election logistics indicated an early opening of polling stations in the easternmost parts of the country and a later opening in the western regions. Voters were to present a passport or another approved form of identification to receive paper ballots, while remote electronic voting was planned to be available in select areas. [Source: Election Commission]
In statements aligned with safeguarding the electoral process, authorities emphasized that any attempt to interfere with the elections would be dealt with firmly. The messaging reflected a commitment to maintaining the integrity of casting ballots and the overall democratic process as Russia prepared to implement the scheduled electoral activities. [Source: Official Statements]