Russian presidential campaign officially launched

The Russian presidential election campaign officially began on December 18, 2017, with a total of 23 candidates. The election will take place in March 2018.

The Russian Government's Rossiyskaya Gazette published a resolution of the Federation Council (Upper House) of Russia, setting the presidential election for March 18, 2018. Accordingly, the election campaign officially began yesterday (December 18).

Image of candidates for the 2012 Russian presidential election. Photo: Reuters.

Chairwoman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Ella Pamfilova said that a total of 23 candidates have announced their intention to run, including President Vladimir Putin.

The reason Russia chose this time to announce the Russian presidential election campaign is because according to the Russian Constitution and the law on presidential elections, the Federation Council will decide on the election of the head of state no earlier than 100 days and no later than 90 days before the voting day.

According to Sputnik news agency, with the official launch of the election campaign, candidates from Russian parties and independent candidates can begin the nomination procedure at congresses or meetings and register the necessary documents with the Central Election Commission.

Among the candidates who have announced their candidacy for the presidency, in addition to incumbent President Putin, notable ones include Vladimir Zhirinovshy, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, Gennady Zyuganov, leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, opposition journalist Ksenia Sobchak, and Grigory Yavlinsky, leader of the Yabloko Democratic Party.

Previously, last week, at the 2017 annual press conference, President Putin said he would run for re-election as an independent candidate, not on a party list, but he hoped to gain the support of parties and the majority of people.

“I will run as an independent candidate, but I hope to receive support from political forces, parties and social organizations that share my views on the country's development and trust me. I hope for the overwhelming support of all citizens,” Putin said.

During the 2012 Russian presidential election campaign, Mr. Putin received great support from the United Russia Party, and in the upcoming election, the United Russia Party will stand side by side with President Putin, pledging to get 300,000 signatures from Russian voters in this election as an independent candidate.

With his approval rating still high, Mr. Putin is expected to continue to win a fourth term. A poll by the Romir-Gallup Institute on December 17 showed that President Putin is likely to win overwhelmingly with 75% of the total votes, the two candidates Zhirinovshy and Zyuganov will have 8% and 7% respectively, and Ms. Sobchak will have 2% of the total votes.

According to regulations, to register to run as an independent candidate, by February 1, 2018, a candidate must collect at least 300,000 signatures from voters. If the candidate runs on a party list, the party must collect at least 100,000 signatures from voters for the candidate./.

According to VOV