Vladimir Putin secured a historic triumph in Russia’s Presidential election on Sunday, cementing his long-standing control over the country amid widespread criticism and opposition protests.
With a staggering 87.8% of the vote, Putin’s victory marks the highest-ever recorded percentage in Russia’s modern electoral history, as per the exit poll by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM). The Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) also mentioned similar figures, indicating overwhelming support for the incumbent president.
With this victory, Putin is set to embark on a new six-year term that will see him overtake Josef Stalin and become Russia’s longest-serving leader for more than 200 years if he completes the tenure.
Notably, the second Presidential candidate Nikolai Kharitonov finished second securing just 4%, newcomer Vladislav Davankov came third, and ultra-nationalist Leonid Slutsky fourth, partial results suggested.
Meanwhile, the election result received international criticism, including from the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Despite thousands of opponents staging protests at polling stations during noon, Putin’s win was characterised by a record post-Soviet landslide.
What did Putin say after the landslide victory?
Putin’s victory speech in Moscow delineated a resolute tone, emphasising the need to prioritise Russia’s strategic interests, particularly in the context of the ongoing ‘military operation’ in Ukraine.
Amid chants of ‘Putin-Putin’ from supporters, Putin vowed to strengthen the nation’s defense capabilities and navigate geopolitical challenges with unwavering resolve.
The former KGB lieutenant colonel, who first rose to power in 1999, made it clear that the result should send a message to the West leaders, that they have to reckon with an emboldened Russia, whether in war or peace, for years to come.
Moreover, Putin seized the opportunity to denounce Western nations, particularly targeting the US, for alleged political malpractice and judicial misconduct. Amidst mounting tensions over the Ukraine conflict, Putin lambasted Western interventionism, terming Russia’s actions as a necessary response to perceived encroachments on its sovereignty.