Russian Expatriates Express Doubts in the Current Presidential Election - Disagreements Arise on Potential Actions

Sergey Kulikov wasted no time and booked the earliest flight out of Russia shortly after the Kremlin declared mandatory military service and severe penalties for those who deserted during wartime in September 2022.

Being a lawyer, Kulikov was troubled by the rapid implementation of the new laws. He expressed his worry that there was no longer a "fair court" available for seeking legal recourse, especially after Russia's exclusion from the European Convention on Human Rights.

Living in Dubai now, he is getting ready to vote in Russia's presidential election, even though he knows it won't be fair.

Kulikov believes that voting is the best way to peacefully protest, whether he is in Russia or outside of the country.

He added that when people do not go to vote, it becomes easier to falsify and steal votes.

Kulikov is just one of the many Russians who have left the country since President Vladimir Putin started a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This has led to a significant increase in the number of Russian nationals living abroad.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has announced that expatriates, including those who have moved to "unfriendly" countries, will have the opportunity to vote in the upcoming presidential election on March 15-17. Overseas voting will be available at 288 polling stations across 144 countries, as reported by Russian state media TASS.

In the previous 2018 presidential election, there were 401 polling stations operating abroad, with over 475,000 expatriates casting their votes, according to the Central Election Commission quoted by RIA Novosti. However, this year, some overseas polling stations from 2018 have been closed. It is uncertain how many expatriates will participate in voting, but a higher turnout is expected due to the increased number of people leaving Russia, potentially causing longer queues at overseas polling stations.

CNN interviewed a few international citizens who all shared a negative view of Putin, describing his government as authoritarian, propagandist, and violating human rights.

However, they expressed conflicting opinions on the value of voting when there are no genuine alternatives available.

Russian citizens at the Russian embassy in Berlin, Germany, look at a list of candidates in the 2018 Russian presidential election.

Russian citizens at the Russian embassy in Berlin, Germany, look at a list of candidates in the 2018 Russian presidential election.

Joerg Carstensen/picture-alliance/dpa/AP

‘No good candidates’

Luba Zakharov, a 35-year-old data analyst who relocated to Hamburg, Germany in March 2022, expressed his view on the upcoming election. He mentioned that for him, the election is not about selecting the right candidate because he believes it is already clear who will win. Due to the closure of the polling station in Hamburg, he plans to travel to Berlin to cast his vote. However, he mentioned that he will most likely spoil the ballot.

Spoiling the ballot has become a popular method to demonstrate dissatisfaction with the available candidates. By marking the ballot incorrectly, individuals are essentially voting for "none of the above."

Zakharov stated that there are no good candidates in this election. He expressed his disappointment with the lack of a satisfactory solution.

In February, Boris Nadezhdin, the only anti-war candidate who gained unexpected popularity for openly criticizing Putin's policies, was disqualified from running by the Central Election Commission. Despite this, thousands of Russians stood in line across the country and even abroad to sign in support of his candidacy. This demonstrated a growing public desire for an alternative option.

People in Chechnya, Russia, recently participated in a procession to support current President Vladimir Putin, who is running for re-election. The event took place in the capital city of Grozny on March 10, 2024. Supporters carried posters with slogans like "Putin is always right! Vote for Putin!" alongside the President's portrait. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and excitement as people showed their backing for Putin. The image below captures a moment from the procession.

People, including supporters of Russian incumbent President and presidential candidate Vladimir Putin, take part in a procession organized on the occasion of the upcoming presidential election, in the Chechen capital Grozny, Russia, March 10, 2024. A slogan next to the Russian President Vladimir Putin's portrait on the poster reads: "Putin is always right! Vote for Putin!". REUTERS/Chingis Kondarov

Chingis Kondarov/Reuters

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Many Russians continue to show their support for Putin as the election approaches. Despite some displays of resistance, the three candidates running against Putin are seen as being aligned with the Kremlin, limiting choices for those seeking a different direction.

The recent passing of Alexey Navalny, a prominent critic of the Russian government, while in prison, marked a harsh crackdown on dissent in Russia, especially during the ongoing war with Ukraine. His death has triggered a wave of sorrow worldwide, particularly in Russia, where he was seen as a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow. Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, called on Russians to unite at polling stations on the election's final day as a form of protest.

Zakharov, speaking to CNN, shared that following Navalny's demise, his goal in participating in the elections was to establish connections with other opposition supporters in Germany. These ties could potentially lead to a more robust support network for Russians, both within the country and abroad, in the future.

Zakharov believes that showing up to protest is more impactful than voting in a democratic election. He emphasizes that sometimes, all it takes to show solidarity is simply being present. He points out that for those living abroad, there are minimal risks involved as they have nothing to lose.

He said living abroad grants him the freedom to express opinions more openly and even assist political prisoners and Russians inside the country who are afraid to speak up.

A mourner lays flowers on the grave of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny at the Borisovo cemetery in Moscow on March 2, 2024, the day after Navalny's funeral.

A mourner lays flowers on the grave of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny at the Borisovo cemetery in Moscow on March 2, 2024, the day after Navalny's funeral.

Olga Maltseva/AFP/Getty Images

Many people believe that elections are just a facade. For example, Anna, a 35-year-old academic with Jewish heritage, decided not to participate in voting after moving to Be’er Sheva, Israel in 2022.

Anna, who prefers to use only her first name to avoid any potential backlash, expressed her concern that taking part in the poll would only support the idea promoted by the Kremlin that Russia is a democratic country.

She is of the opinion that a significant increase in the number of 'stolen' votes would clearly show that the election lacks legitimacy.

Anna expressed concern that if Putin wins 96% of the votes in the upcoming election, it would indicate a totalitarian election. She stated her willingness to have her vote given to Putin, hoping that the world media will highlight the presence of a totalitarian regime in Russia.

According to Callum Fraser, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank, Putin is banking on this election to showcase that the Russian people support his actions in Ukraine. This comes at a time when the Russian economy is struggling due to sanctions and high defense spending.

Fraser mentioned that elections in authoritarian regimes are typically seen as a symbol of the leader's authority to govern. He also expressed concern that the upcoming election in Russia could be the most manipulated in the country's history. Despite predictions of less than 80% voter turnout, official reports are likely to claim figures around this percentage.

The opposition in Russia appears to be fragmented and lacking unity.

Fraser believes that approximately 10% to 15% of the Russian population are very unhappy with the current system and are willing to express their dissatisfaction. However, there is a larger group of people who are not interested in politics and choose to stay home during elections because they think their vote won't make a difference.

He mentioned that many Russians keep their true opinions to themselves.

Protests following Navalny's death have not escalated to a point that concerns Putin, according to Fraser. He mentioned that Russia's opposition is still divided.

The lack of a cohesive plan for anti-Putin voters mirrors the ongoing disagreement within the opposition.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was spotted on a screen while having a discussion with his trusted advisors about the upcoming 2024 election. The meeting took place at Gostiny Dvor in Moscow, Russia on January 31, 2024.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen on a screen during a meeting with his confidants for the 2024 election at Gostiny Dvor in Moscow, Russia January 31, 2024. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

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Opinion: Vladimir Putin’s sham election

Modern Russia's opposition has faced challenges in coming together as a unified force, often looking to charismatic leaders for guidance. Among them, Alexey Navalny's team has emerged as a prominent group within the opposition, though they have mainly worked on their own.

Some of the Kremlin’s critics, like Ilya Yashin and Vladimir Kara-Murza, have been imprisoned. Others, such as Boris Nemtsov and Anna Politkovskaya, have tragically lost their lives.

Fraser pointed out, "Russia is not a democratic country." He highlighted that the elections are just a facade and only show results that support Putin's agenda.

The RUSI fellow doesn't think that votes from liberals who left the country and the Special Military Operation will impact the result. However, voters abroad continue to hold onto hope.

Kulikov, the lawyer currently residing in Dubai, remains optimistic despite the odds. He acknowledges the unlikelihood of success but holds onto hope for a miracle. As a Russian individual, he has faith in the power of miracles.

Editor's P/S:

The article presents a complex and nuanced view of the upcoming Russian presidential election, highlighting the challenges and complexities faced by voters both within Russia and abroad. The decision to vote or not, and how to vote, is a highly personal one for many Russians, who must weigh the potential risks and benefits of participating in an election that is widely seen as being rigged in favor of the incumbent, Vladimir Putin.

The article also sheds light on the growing number of Russians who have left the country since the start of the war in Ukraine, and the challenges they face in participating in the election from abroad. While some see voting as a way to peacefully protest the regime, others believe that it only legitimizes the election and Putin's continued rule. The article captures the diverse perspectives and emotions of Russians both within and outside the country, providing a valuable insight into the complexities of the upcoming election. to claim a high voter turnout despite evidence to the contrary. The article underscores the importance of international attention to the Russian election, as it will shed light on the true nature of Putin's regime and the challenges faced by those who oppose it.