Vladimir Putin Wins Big in Russian Election, Gets Nearly 88% of Votes
Vladimir Putin has won the Russian presidential election by a huge margin, with around 88% of the votes, the first official results show. The voting happened amidst strict control over opposition and free speech.
Only three other candidates were allowed to run against Putin, but they didn’t speak out against his actions in Ukraine.”
“Russians Protest at Polls Against Putin, But Choices Limited
Russian people protested at polling stations today against President Putin, even though the election didn’t give them much choice.
The voting happened during missile and drone attacks from Ukraine, killing some. Opposition leader Navalny died last month, and Putin’s critics are jailed or exiled.
People lined up at polling stations to show unhappiness with Putin and the war.”
“74 Arrested in Russia as Protests Erupt During Election
Protests erupted with voting booth fires and ballot box dyeing. Officials slammed protestors as traitors. Opposition weakened after Navalny’s death, with other leaders jailed, exiled, or dead.
Western leaders like Biden criticize Putin, who denies allegations of war crimes.