Moscow: Russia is gearing up for a presidential election amid ongoing turmoil stemming from its campaign in Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin poised for another six-year term. Here are five crucial aspects to understand about the upcoming vote:

Limited Opposition Presence:

Opposition candidates critical of Russia's actions in Ukraine, such as Boris Nadezhdin and Yekaterina Duntsova, had their candidacies rejected despite garnering substantial support. Only three registered candidates, including nationalist Leonid Slutsky, Communist Nikolai Kharitonov, and businessman Vladislav Davankov, are aligned with Russia's offensive in Ukraine. Critics argue that these candidates serve to provide a veneer of pluralism amid widespread repression of the opposition.
 

Potential for Protests:

The late opposition leader Alexei Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, has called for protests, urging supporters to demonstrate at polling stations on Sunday. Concerns about potential protests linger, especially after thousands gathered at Navalny's funeral, expressing discontent with the government.

Putin's Campaign Strategy:

Despite the expected outcome, the government is actively campaigning to boost Putin's domestic and international legitimacy. Putin, who has not participated in election debates during his tenure, has recently increased public appearances. In a State of the Nation speech, he outlined budget promises addressing education, infrastructure, poverty, environmental protection, and technology, setting a program until at least 2030.

Economic Concerns:

While Russia's economy has shown resilience amid sanctions, concerns persist among citizens about rising prices, particularly for food, and general instability due to the Ukraine conflict. Labor shortages and mass emigration have ensued, impacting daily life. Demonstrations by the wives of conscripted soldiers demanding their return from the front have faced severe crackdowns.

Voter Mobilization Efforts:

Patriotic messaging dominates the election landscape, urging Russians to vote with posters displaying a "V" sign reminiscent of Russian troops in Ukraine. Raffles and entertainment are organized to encourage voter turnout in a country with high political disenchantment, particularly among the youth. State media portrays neighboring Ukraine and its Western allies as troublemakers, warning of possible foreign interference in the election.

Voting in Occupied Areas:

A paradoxical situation arises as voting is scheduled in Russian-held areas of Ukraine, despite the ongoing conflict. Russia unilaterally annexed four Ukrainian regions in 2022, even though control is not fully established. Kyiv alleges coercion of locals to vote, an accusation Moscow denies. Russian soldiers deployed in Ukraine have already cast their early ballots.
As Russia navigates its presidential election, the complex geopolitical landscape and internal challenges underscore the significance of the unfolding events.