Four Things You Won’t See in Russia’s Presidential Elections

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This Sunday, Russian people will elect their president. It may sound like an oxymoron given that Vladimir Putin has been at the helm of power for nearly two decades and his win in this election is a foregone conclusion. The entire electoral process, lacking genuine political competition, is a vote of confidence for the leader, rather than a referendum on the future of Russia.

Putin’s program

When the other seven candidates attempt to outdistance each other in vainly promoting their political agendas, Putin keeps calm. There is no official document presenting his vision of the country — not that one is truly required. After 18 years of power, the elections are but a ritual serving to confirm his popularity and warn would-be challengers to stay away.