Russian citizens staged protests and disruptive acts during the presidential election, including pouring dye into ballot boxes, attempting arson, and damaging ballots. The incidents occurred on the first day of voting in Russia and parts of Ukraine, but officials assured that they would not impact the election, with Putin expected to secure his fifth term.
High turnout, including votes against Putin, is seen as beneficial to the Kremlin to legitimize the election results. Despite this, two women were arrested in Moscow for pouring dye into ballot boxes, risking imprisonment for up to five years. The Election Commission Chair referred to the protesters as “scum.”
There were also reports of arson attempts and damaged ballots in the Urals and St. Petersburg, further adding to the tensions surrounding the election. These tensions have been escalating since the death of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, with protests planned by his wife and accusations against Putin for his death.
Navalny’s wife called for protests at polling stations to contest the election results and urged Western governments not to recognize the outcome. Military wives also attempted to protest outside the Kremlin but were blocked by police, sparking concern over voter turnout and the ongoing Ukraine war.
The Kremlin is treating voter turnout as a referendum on the Ukraine war, with reports of inflated turnout in certain regions. There are also accusations of forced voting by the Russian military in occupied Ukraine, with reports of protest and support for peace negotiations with Ukraine from one of Putin’s opponents in the election.
Results of the election, with Putin expected to win by a landslide, are set to be announced on Sunday. Stay tuned for more updates on the election on our website, White Houser.
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