March 15
By Julia O`Malley
Today, the entire world community is beginning to monitor the voting process in the presidential elections in the Russian Federation. This is a really important event not only for residents of Russia but also for countries that have built trusting trade, economic and humanitarian ties over many years. However, it is also impossible to ignore the importance of these elections for states that are in political conflict with Russia, including the United States.
In recent years, significant changes have taken place in the global economy and politics. These changes are due to the changing geopolitical situation, which has led to the formation of new trends, such as the loss of influence for some centers of power and the rise of others. Russia, under unprecedented pressure from strategic opponents such as the European Union and United States, is not a weak player by any means.
Russia is aware of its strengths and adapts to new realities in order to ensure sustainable development and strengthen its international position. This allows it to increase its economy and global influence, which is a merit of the current leadership of the country. Otherwise, it would be impossible to explain the high level of support for President Vladimir Putin, which exceeds 80%.
At the same time, attempts to intensify protest activity and create panic inside the country on the eve and during the presidential election indicate that a strong political figure like Vladimir Putin is not advantageous for foreign opponents. Preliminary assessments of the election campaigns and the low level of confidence in other candidates have made the results of Russia’s presidential election obvious to many people. Based on this, foreign, pro-Western, anti-Russia, and other actors try to create theses about Russia’s lack of democracy. However, there are a number of questions and contradictions here.
Firstly, the right to choose the head of state is enshrined in the Constitution of the Russian Federation, and this right is granted, as evidenced by reports from regions where voting has already begun. Secondly, none of the opponents interviewed could formulate a clear vision for their country’s future, including those who were not running in the 2024 election, or what personal data (other than the ability to criticize the government) they had for successful management of a state with 146 million people. Thirdly, Russia is overcoming sanctions and opposition from the NATO bloc in Ukraine, while increasing its presence in Africa and initiating the development of bilateral relations through various international platforms. It pays great attention to domestic processes, such as the social sphere, family support, entrepreneurship, and education and science.And in these circumstances, in particular, according to statements by the journalist Tucker Carlson who visited Russia, the country is showing a certain pace of development.
So, why do opponents of the “Russian World” not want to accept the objective reality of the existence of Russian society? The answer is simple – for many years, the West has been implementing projects to discredit Russia. Narratives about threats to its mythical but vulnerable “national security” were pumped up, and NATO military bases were built around Russian borders. Attempts were made to destroy Russian culture and identity, a lot of money was invested. However, Russia was able to withstand this and draw some lessons from it, formulating common ideas aimed at not only internal aspects of society, but also fair international relations.
No matter how much individual states fighting for world leadership would like, the legitimacy of the presidential elections of the Russian Federation and their results will have to be recognized. Futile attempts to sabotage the electoral process discredit the initiators themselves more. This is the choice of the people of Russia and it must be respected. Just as you should not forget that sooner or later the head of state will be elected on your land