Vladimir Putin has agreed to participate in the presidential election in 2024. The announcement came after a conversation with the head of state during a ceremony in the Kremlin for the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland.
Artem Zhoga, the speaker of the DNR parliament, made the request to Putin, and the Russian president agreed.
Putin's current term as head of state is set to expire on May 7, 2024, with the next presidential election scheduled in Russia for March 17.
Putin's presidency
Putin is seeking the presidency for the fifth time, and if successful, he will extend his tenure as head of state until 2030.
His initial ascent to the nation's highest office occurred in 2000, following the resignation of the first president of the Russian Federation, Boris Yeltsin, on December 31, 1999. Putin was appointed acting president, and on January 12, 2000, an initiative group nominated him for early elections. A day later, Putin confirmed his participation during a speech at St. Petersburg State University.
Putin declared his candidacy for the 2004 elections during a "Direct Line" session on December 18, 2003. Upon the expiration of his term in 2008, he stepped down as the Constitution prohibits more than two consecutive terms. Dmitry Medvedev assumed the presidency, while Putin assumed the role of head of government.
In a turn of events on September 24, 2011, Medvedev proposed that United Russia endorse Putin's candidacy for the 2012 presidential election. Putin agreed, secured victory, and, with updated legislation, assumed the presidency for a six-year term instead of the previous four.
Similar to the current situation, Putin did not disclose his intention to seek another presidential term until late in the process in 2018. He argued that prematurely announcing such plans is detrimental, leading officials to prioritize election campaigns over their primary responsibilities. Six years ago, Putin revealed his candidacy on December 6, during a meeting with veterans and workers of the GAZ automobile plant.
2024 elections
In 2023, the declaration of the intent to run for the election occurred on December 8, a day after the Federation Council established the voting date. According to the law, candidates must submit their documents to the Central Election Commission within 20–25 days, depending on whether they are self-nominated or representing a political party.
Notably, this time, the constitutional restriction preventing the election of a president for more than two consecutive terms does not apply. In 2020, an amendment to the country's basic law was enacted, allowing the then-acting head of state to seek the highest office without considering previous terms.
Public opinion
According to the latest poll by the All-Russian Center for Public Opinion Research, 78.5% of Russians express trust in Putin, and 75.8% approve of his activities. The survey, conducted from November 27 to December 3, included 1,600 adult respondents.
In addition, the Public Opinion Foundation reported that 70% of Russians support Vladimir Putin's nomination for a new term, based on a survey conducted from October 12 to November 13 with 6,100 adult respondents. This level of support has more than doubled in recent years. Emotions evoked by the head of state include trust, hope, calmness, confidence in the future, pride, and gratitude, as mentioned by the majority of respondents. Over 60% of participants believe that Putin's activities align with their interests, and more than 70% think he understands the concerns, needs, and interests of ordinary people. Meanwhile, 63% of respondents believe that young people today have better chances of success in life than five years ago.
The Federation Council, at its plenary session, adopted a resolution scheduling the presidential elections in the Russian Federation for March 17, 2024. The Central Election Commission (CEC) has announced that these elections will be multi-day, taking place from March 15 to 17.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS