Putin Announces Bid for Another Term as Russian President.

New Delhi : Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced his candidacy in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for March 17, 2023, according to state media reports. Putin, who has been in power for nearly a quarter-century, continues to enjoy widespread support, with around 80% approval from the populace, as per the independent pollster Levada Center. The 71-year-old leader, the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin, has amended the constitution twice to extend his potential stay in power. While he stepped aside to become prime minister in 2008 due to term limits, Putin has remained a dominant force, and the presidential terms were later extended to six years. In 2020, another set of amendments allowed him the possibility of two more consecutive terms starting in 2024.

The upcoming presidential election is expected to have minimal opposition, and Putin is all but certain to win. Despite concerns about his grip on power, evidenced by a short-lived rebellion in June by mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, Putin emerged unscathed, reinforcing the perception of his absolute control.

Putin’s popularity took a hit around the time of the constitutional amendments in 2020, with approval ratings around 60%. Some analysts suggest that this dip in popularity could have been a factor driving the costly war in Ukraine that began in February 2022. The conflict, initially envisioned as a quick and victorious war to consolidate support for Putin’s reelection, turned into a protracted and challenging battle, impacting Russia’s rising prosperity and Putin’s popularity.

While Putin had reportedly considered a political transition before 2024 to avoid standing for reelection, challenges in Ukraine compelled him to stay in power. Despite facing speculation about his health in 2022, Putin shows little sign of slowing down.

Putin’s rule has spanned five U.S. presidencies, and he became acting president on New Year’s Eve in 1999. His announcement to run in the 2023 election comes at a critical time, with geopolitical tensions and challenges in Ukraine shaping the political landscape. Putin’s ability to mobilize the population during wartime has been a key aspect of his leadership, and the upcoming election is expected to focus on these dynamics.

The election will likely be marked by a lack of substantial opposition, raising questions about the competitive nature of the political process in Russia. As Putin seeks to extend his rule, the geopolitical landscape and domestic challenges will play a crucial role in shaping the political narrative leading up to the election.