Yes, the Russian election is rigged – but there could still be surprises for Putin

Russia’s presidential election has received comparatively little international attention in an election year that is seeing over 60 countries go to the polls, including the US, India, and maybe the UK. Indeed, this weekend’s vote will be one of the least interesting and predictable examples of the democratic process.

It will be among the least appetizing because, to begin with, it is being held in several areas of Russia—Crimea and four areas of eastern Ukraine—that are not officially recognized as part of Russia.

Additionally, the technique itself has numerous flaws that make it unappealing. In a comparison that his opponents frequently bring up, Vladimir Putin is running for a fifth term, which would make him the longest-serving Russian leader since Stalin. He is able to do this because of a 2020 referendum that changed the constitution in a way that effectively restarted the clock on presidential term limits. This amendment appeared to be made specifically to allow Putin to serve at least one more term.