Russian voters are gearing up for an election that will undoubtedly hand Vladimir Putin another six-year term.
The outcome in Sunday’s vote is so certain that authorities are investing in get-out-the-vote efforts to ensure a decent turnout.
Candidates are barred from campaigning on Saturday. Voting starts in the Russian far east near Alaska and wraps up in the Baltic enclave of Kaliningrad.
More than 1,500 international observers are joining thousands of Russian observers to watch the vote.
The government wants to ensure elections are clean after ballot stuffing and fraud marred the last presidential election in 2012.
Unlike the last time Mr Putin faced voters, this time he faces no serious opposition movement, and has strengthened his domestic support through his actions in Ukraine and Syria
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel