New Delhi, 18th March. In the ongoing Russian presidential election, a significant number of Russian citizens residing in New Delhi exercised their voting rights at the polling station set up at the Russian Embassy. Within the initial six hours of voting on Sunday, over 400 Russian citizens cast their votes, according to a statement from the Russian Embassy in India.The embassy took to social media platform X to announce the turnout, stating, “Over 400 Russian citizens voted at polling station No. 8099 at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, India during the first 6 hours of voting.” This robust participation reflects the enthusiasm and engagement of the Russian diaspora in the electoral process.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, a candidate in the presidential election, set an example by casting his electronic vote ahead of the polling day. Footage released by the Kremlin showcased President Putin exercising his franchise from his office, marking a seamless process of online voting. This election marks the debut of online voting in Russia’s presidential polls, offering voters greater convenience and accessibility.
The implementation of online voting has garnered significant traction, with over 3.5 million people across Russia opting for this mode of voting on the first day of the presidential election, as reported by TASS, citing the e-voting monitoring portal. The federal platform recorded a notable 73 percent voter turnout on the inaugural day, reflecting widespread participation and interest in the electoral process.
Moreover, international observers from 58 countries are closely monitoring the election proceedings, invited by the Russian Civic Chamber. Their presence underscores the commitment to ensuring transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
The presidential election, initially scheduled for March 17 by the Russian Federation Council, spans three days from March 15 to 17, as announced by the Russian Central Election Commission (CEC). President Putin faces competition from contenders including Vladislav Davankov, Leonid Slutsky, and Nikolay Kharitonov. If re-elected, President Putin is poised to serve another six-year term, marking his fifth term in office, in accordance with constitutional amendments extending presidential terms.
The election’s extension over three days has been well-received by the electorate, providing them with ample opportunities to participate in the democratic process, as stated by Russian Central Election Commission Chair Ella Pamfilova. The outcome of the election will shape the political landscape of Russia for the foreseeable future, influencing both domestic policies and international relations.
Comments are closed.