Voting for the presidential elections in Russia has kicked off, with polling stations now open in the country's Far Eastern regions, according to TASS. The voting will continue from March 15 to March 17.

The first ballots were cast by Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov, marking the beginning of the election process. People across Russia are participating in the election to choose their President for the next six years. Notably, residents of Donbass and Novorossia are also taking part in the Russian presidential elections for the first time.

This election introduces the use of advanced voting technologies that were previously tested during local polls, including a three-day voting period and remote voting options.

The candidates contending for the top state position in the 2024 election include Vladislav Davankov, incumbent President Vladimir Putin, Leonid Slutsky, and Nikolay Kharitonov.

Vladislav Davankov has been nominated by the New People's Party, while Putin is running as a self-designated candidate. Leonid Slutsky represents the LDPR party, and Nikolay Kharitonov is running from the Communist Party of Russia.

Initially, 33 individuals, including nine from political parties and 24 independents, expressed interest in running for the presidency. However, only 15 candidates submitted the required documents for registration, and ultimately, only four candidates were officially registered.

This election marks the first time that voting will be conducted over three days in Russia. The extended timeframe aims to provide voters with more opportunities to participate. According to Ella Pamfilova, Chair of the Russian Central Election Commission, this format has been well-received by the public.

With over 94,000 polling stations operating from 8 am to 8 pm local time, except in certain overseas regions, voting will formally conclude on March 17 at 9 pm local time when polling stations in Kaliningrad close.

Additionally, 295 polling stations will be set up in 144 foreign countries and territories, including the Baikonur space center leased by Russia from Kazakhstan. The voting schedule will vary depending on the location, with Thailand being the first to open polling stations at the Russian Consulate General in Phuket.

Electronic voting will also be available during the presidential elections, with online voting options offered in 29 regions, including Moscow. Applications for online voting were accepted from January 29 to March 11.

A significant number of over 4.7 million people have applied to vote online. The results of the online vote will be announced on March 17 from 10 pm to 11 pm local time.

Putin, who has already served four terms as Russian President, is seeking re-election. If successful, he would serve an additional six years, thanks to constitutional amendments extending the presidential term. This would mark his fifth term, with the possibility of being re-elected for a sixth term in 2030.

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