Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially declared his candidacy for a fifth term in office, announcing it at an awards ceremony honoring participants in the full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022.
The declaration comes a day after election officials set March 15-17, 2024, as the dates for the presidential election.
The inevitability of Putin’s re-election is underscored by the limited opposition and the comprehensive control he maintains over Russian media. Putin, 71, previously served as president from 2000-2008, returned to the role in 2012, and has already surpassed any ruler’s tenure in Russia since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.
Constitutional amendments in 2020 extended the presidential term from four to six years, clearing the way for Putin’s candidacy by nullifying his previous terms. A victory in March would extend his presidency until 2030, with the potential for another six-year term until 2036 if he chooses to stand again.
Facing challenges from the aftermath of the Ukraine invasion and strained relations with the West, Putin is anticipated to encounter minimal opposition, as most genuine opponents are either deceased, imprisoned, or in exile.
The announcement of the election dates by Russia’s upper house of parliament was quickly followed by the electoral commission specifying the three-day voting period. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted an “astonishing” desire among the people for Putin to continue as their leader.
Putin made his intentions clear during an informal gathering after the awards ceremony, responding to a request from Lt-Col Artyom Zhoga, a former pro-Russian separatist unit head in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. Putin’s decision was delivered on Russian TV, emphasizing the critical time for making decisions.
Handed the presidency in 1999 by his predecessor Boris Yeltsin, Putin’s firm grip on power has intensified throughout his leadership, with the upcoming election poised to extend his lengthy tenure.
