Voters across Russia headed to the polls on Friday, the start of a three-day election that is almost certain to hand Putin six more years as president, news outlets reported.
European Union spokesman Peter Stano highlighted the predictable nature of the electoral process in Russia under Putin's administration, questioning the possibility of a genuinely democratic election, according to reports.
"It's very difficult to foresee that this would be a free, fair, and democratic election where the Russian people would really have a choice," Stano said, indicating a pre-determined outcome.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg denounced the election's credibility, pointing to the suppression and persecution of opposition figures in Russia.
"We know already that opposition politicians are in jail, some are killed, and many are in exile, and actually also some who tried to register as candidates have been denied that right," Stoltenberg said, criticizing the lack of a free and independent press in Russia.
The election, scheduled over three days, is expected to reinforce Putin's hold on power amid deteriorating relations between Moscow and Western nations, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The decision to conduct voting in Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russian forces has drawn additional condemnation from the EU and NATO, with both organizations declaring such actions as illegal and a violation of international law.
The election's outcome, allowing Putin to potentially remain in power until at least 2030, may mean a historic extension of the strongman’s leadership, surpassing any Russian leader since Catherine the Great in the 19th century.
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Source: PAP, IAR, DW