Russia: Presidential election set for March 18

Event

Campaigning for the upcoming presidential election ended on Friday, March 16. President Vladimir Putin held his final event at a medical center in St. Petersburg and urged all Russian citizens to vote on Sunday, March 18. The government is reportedly aiming for at least a 70 percent turnout of citizens for the election. However, opposition leader Aleksei Navalny released a statement on Thursday, March 15, renewing calls for a boycott of the vote. Increased security measures and disruptions are expected on Sunday.

Context

Putin is running for his fourth term as president. He faces little opposition in the upcoming election as Navalny has been barred from running due to previous arrests. Navalny has organized a series of protests against the election in recent months.

Advice

Individuals in Russia are advised to avoid any potential protests as a precaution, as well as polling stations on election day, and to be prepared for transportation disruptions.