Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced his intention to run in next year’s presidential elections, news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti have reported.
Putin confirmed what was widely expected in a question and answer session at a ceremony in the Kremlin on Friday.
The Central Election Commission had earlier confirmed the date of next year’s presidential election. For the first time, the election will be held over three days — from 15 to 17 March.
“Voting over three days is becoming a tradition within our electoral system. Most voters have come to like the format. … 74% of Russians see the convenience of voting over three days,” said Ella Pamfilova, chair of the CEC.
On Thursday, the upper house of the Russian parliament, the Federation Council, had set the date for next year’s presidential election on March 17.
