President Vladimir Putin celebrated his election victory, which was practically guaranteed, with officials announcing that he had secured his fifth term with an unprecedented number of votes, solidifying his firm grip on Russia’s political landscape.

Despite facing minimal competition and ruthlessly suppressing dissenting voices, Putin secured another six years in power.

The Central Election Commission of Russia reported that Putin garnered 87.29% of the vote with nearly all precincts counted, translating to almost 76 million votes – his highest ever tally. Putin, 71, interpreted the landslide victory as a sign of trust and hope in his leadership, while critics viewed it as yet another instance of the inevitable outcome of a predetermined election.

If Putin completes his upcoming term, he will surpass any Russian leader’s tenure since Catherine the Great in the 18th century, as noted by Agence France-Presse.

Public criticism of Putin or his activities in Ukraine has been systematically silenced. Independent media outlets have been dismantled, and prominent figures critical of Putin, like Yevgeny Prigozhin and Alexey Navalny, either perished under suspicious circumstances or face constraints like imprisonment or exile.

While the election offered voters minimal choice, impartial monitoring was severely restricted, raising concerns about the validity of the process.

Putin received congratulatory messages from global leaders like Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, and others, while Western nations disregarded the legitimacy of the election. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron condemned the process as not reflective of free and fair elections.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced Putin as a “dictator” drunk on power, criticizing his actions and character. The voting extended to Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine drew condemnation from 50 countries, with the U.S. characterizing it as a sham election.

Despite severe suppression, critics managed to voice dissent during the election, with Russians assembling outside polling stations to express their disapproval. Notable was Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexey Navalny, who waited in line for hours in Berlin and inscribed her late husband’s name on her ballot.

Some Russians openly opposed Putin at the polls, with individuals like Vadim in Moscow hoping for change. However, arrests were made for various acts of protest, highlighting the challenging environment for dissent.

Supporters of Putin also showed their unwavering loyalty, reflecting the prevailing sentiment in a nation where divergent views are unwelcome. Dmitry Sergienko voiced contentment with the status quo, exemplifying the sentiments of many who endorse Putin’s governance.

The election results, while affirming Putin’s unyielding authority, also showcased the subdued undercurrent of opposition that persists despite stringent regulations. The varied responses from the public underscore the complexities and contradictions within Russia’s political landscape.