Russia’s presidential election, spanning three days, is expected to secure Vladimir Putin’s fifth term, with little opposition due to stifled dissent. Amidst a crackdown on media and rights groups, the war in Ukraine, and limited monitoring, concerns about fairness persist. The absence of genuine opposition candidates and restricted observer roles underscore doubts about the election’s legitimacy. The opposition, aiming to demonstrate discontent, faces challenges amid heightened control and diminished media coverage. Golos, an election observer group, notes a lack of campaign visibility and citizen disenfranchisement, reflecting growing disconnection from decision-making.