Vladimir Putin worried about low voter turnout as new election tactic emerges
Despite Putin's enduring popularity, recent polls suggest a slight decline in support for his policies, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
Concerns have surfaced within Russian President Vladimir Putin's administration regarding the anticipated voter turnout for the upcoming presidential election.
According to sources cited by Meduza, an independent Russian outlet, there is apprehension in the Kremlin that the election might not meet the expected participation levels.
The Kremlin has been actively advocating for a robust voter turnout, aiming to counter prevalent accusations of election rigging in Russia.
Despite Putin's enduring popularity, recent polls suggest a slight decline in support for his policies, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Putin is widely anticipated to secure his sixth term in the forthcoming election, scheduled for March.
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) argued that the Kremlin's insistence on a high turnout is primarily motivated by a desire "to present the guise of legitimacy and widespread popular support" for Putin's leadership.
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However, widespread sentiments among the Russian populace suggest a prevailing belief that the outcome of the election has been predetermined, with Putin expected to win by a significant margin, whether legitimately or through manipulation.
The Kremlin has set ambitious targets for voter turnout, aiming for a range of 70 to 80 percent during the polling period from March 15 to 17.
The administration is reportedly mobilising citizens affiliated with the government, including public sector employees and those working for state-owned enterprises, along with their acquaintances.
Employees of the United Russia political party have been instructed to bring a specified number of individuals with them to polling stations, a tactic aimed at bolstering turnout, but enforcing this is complicated as different corporations have different requirements.
The Kremlin is also exploring various strategies to enhance voter convenience, such as introducing electronic voting options and QR codes. These initiatives are intended to streamline the voting process and potentially attract a broader spectrum of participants.
The ISW emphasised that the Kremlin's endeavors are geared towards portraying the election as legitimate and widely supported, with a strong emphasis on encouraging voter participation.
They said: "[There's] a widespread sentiment in Russia that the election has already been decided and that Russians have generally accepted that Putin has already won again.
"[We have] long assessed that the Kremlin's election preparations are intended to cast the election as completely legitimate and widely popular with strong voter turnout."
