7th Russian election concluded, results not unexpected.

 HAS RUSSOPHOBIA CEMENTED PUTIN'S POSITION

RUSSIAN'S UNITED AGAINST WESTERN THREATS

The 7th elections in Russia's history have been concluded. With a history of Czarist rule followed by totalitarian communist rule, the first ever election was held in 1991. This year's elections matched the turnout of their first election with a 74% turnout of the 112 million eligible voters.

This years election was extended to 3 days Mar. 15 to 17. polls open 12 hours a day. With 8 time zones and sometimes extreme weather it was hoped to boost election turnout. Elections have usually had a 64 to 67% turnout.

While the west hoped that a war with Ukraine would weaken Putin's position in Russia it may have actually cemented the resolve of the Russian people behind Putin. Putin became very popular in Russia by turning around the economic disaster that resulted from the change in ideology and government system in 1991 and was able to move the country into a positive economic course. 

This years election had 3 opposition candidates, the communist party candidate, Nicholas Kharitonov ran on a platform of progressive taxes rather than the present flat rate tax of 17% on all, lowering the retirement age and eliminating taxes for low income citizens. He received 4.6% of the vote. The communist party sometimes receives as much as 25% of the vote in local elections.

The Liberal Democratic party (LDPR), Leonid Slutsky, advocates closer ties to Asia, and tighter restriction on foreign agents and accelerating the campaign in Ukraine. He received 3 % of the vote.

The New People's Party candidate was Vladislav Davankov, advocates Peace and negotiations, received 4.2% of the vote.

With 94% of the votes counted, Putin received 87% of the vote.

While the west portrays the elections in Russia as illegitimate, they use paper ballots, filled out in secure booths very similar to those in the U.S. It is unlikely that any serious change in the direction of the Russian government is imminent even when Putin is no longer a candidate. 

The continuous accusations and hysteria against anything Russian has solidified to the Russians that the west is an existential enemy. This is more a result of the narrative and actions of the west than the policies of Putin.