In a Russian election where Vladimir Putin’s re-election is almost guaranteed set against a backdrop of widespread oppression and the death of his main political rival, Alexei Navalny, mass protests have broken out throughout Russia as people demonstrate against Putin’s hold over the Russian people.
Russia’s Election
Russia is holding an election for president, and it is almost certain that Putin will be elected to lead the country until 2030, despite the repression and crackdown on dissent going on throughout the country.
The timing of this election is significant because it comes right after the death of Putin’s greatest political rival, Alexei Navalny, who died from uncertain circumstances inside of a Russian prison.
Noon Against Putin
Anticipating Vladimir Putin’s almost certain re-election, Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Alexei Navalny, called for a mass protest against the election known as “noon against Putin.”
The protest is called the “noon against Putin” because protestors would only go to the polls at noon to symbolize their collective frustration with Putin in a peaceful but highly visible demonstration.
Voting Against Putin
Before Navalny’s death, his team also endorsed a strategy for voters to express their frustration with Putin and the Russian government by writing “Alexei Navalny” across their votes or, at the very least, vote for anyone besides Putin.
After voting polls opened, massive lines started forming at noon, with independent reports and social media showing an immediate response to the protest’s call to action.
However, the protest was also seen outside of Russia, with many expatriates in cities all over the world supporting the movement.
MP Response
In response, a Russian Foreign Ministry statement said, “It is obvious that the corrupt regime in Kyiv has intensified its terrorist activities in connection with the ongoing presidential elections in Russia in order to demonstrate its activity to its Western handlers and to beg for even more financial assistance and lethal weapons.”
Hoping to stop the protest before it could begin, Russian prosecutors issued threats before the polls opened, stating that anyone participating in the “noon against Putin” would receive up to 5 years in prison.
On the day of the protest, the Russian government detained more than 20 voters in Kazan, with similar arrests reported in Moscow and St Petersburg.
Election Sabotage
There have also been several reports of some Russians protesting the election with direct acts of sabotage. Some of these actions included pouring dye into ballot boxes and even arson attacks at polling stations.
In response to the election sabotage, Ella Pamfilova, who has become the face of Kremlin’s election machine, said the protesters are “scumbags” who “destroyed the votes of people”.
Pamfilova also claimed that the Russian government “prevented all kinds of liquid injections at 20 polling stations and eight arson attempts. In one case, they tried to use a smoke bomb.”
Widespread Support
Despite having any real competition, allegations of election manipulation, and the massive protests organized in Putin’s opposition, the Russian government is now portraying Putin’s victory as a clear demonstration of his widespread support. Since Putin’s reelection was essentially guaranteed, the goal of Putin’s opposition was not to stop his reelection, but rather to challenge his authority and demonstrate the dissent of the Russian people in this time of fear and oppression.
Across the world, people are closely watching the protests and elections and looking for ways to support the protestors. Navalny’s supporters also organized demonstrations and protests at Russian diplomatic missions and embassies in many countries worldwide.
Though his death was tragic, Navalny’s legacy can be seen clearly in these opposition movements as his supporters hoped to continue his work in exposing the corruption behind Putin’s control over Russia.
It must also be said that this election and protests happened against a backdrop of continued fighting in Ukraine, with the ongoing military conflict largely affecting people’s view of Russia at home and abroad.
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The post Russia Is Voting for Putin and Protestors Are Setting the Polls on Fire first appeared on Edge Media.
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Keegan Leighty is a committed writer known for his impactful work in bringing attention to societal issues and injustices, using his platform to advocate for change and awareness. He also writes satire and stand up.