Russia Election Day Sees Protests at Polling Stations

Protests at Polling Stations

On the final day of voting in Russia’s election, protests erupted at polling stations across the country. Supporters of opposition leader Alexey Navalny called for a collective turnout at noon, resulting in sudden lines at various locations.

Increased Turnout

Reports from Reuters and AFP news agencies highlighted the surge in people waiting to cast their votes at around noon. Social media channels showed video clips of lines forming in different cities, with supporters responding to Navalny’s call for protest.

Global Response

Russians overseas joined the protest, forming long lines outside Russian embassies in Berlin and London. Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, was seen in Berlin rallying against President Putin, emphasizing the importance of the protest action.

Civil Disobedience

Acts of civil disobedience were reported during voting days, including pouring dye in ballot boxes and starting fires. More than 60 Russians were detained across 16 cities, according to the human rights group OVD-Info.

Presidential Election

Vladimir Putin is expected to win a fifth term in office, with the election taking place across 11 time zones. The turnout exceeded 70% of eligible voters, paving the way for Putin to potentially extend his rule until 2036 as Russia’s longest-serving ruler.

Read More of this Story at www.cnn.com – 2024-03-17 15:05:00

Protests erupt at polling stations in Russia as Putin poised to extend rule for years