Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to win a fifth term in office with a comfortable margin, as the country heads into presidential elections. This comes amid a crackdown on opposition figures and widespread claims of electoral fraud. Putin, who has been in power either as president or prime minister since 1999, remains popular with many Russians, who see him as a stabilizing force after the chaos of the 1990s. However, critics say his long rule has led to an increase in corruption and the erosion of democratic freedoms.
Putin set to sweep to fifth term as Russians head to polls
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to win a fifth term in office with a comfortable margin, as the country heads into presidential elections. This comes amid a crackdown on opposition figures and widespread claims of electoral fraud. Putin, who has been in power either as president or prime minister since 1999, remains popular with many Russians, who see him as a stabilizing force after the chaos of the 1990s. However, critics say his long rule has led to an increase in corruption and the erosion of democratic freedoms.
