Title: Uncertainty and Anxiety Grip Russians Ahead of Presidential Election
As Russians head to the polls this weekend for the presidential election, many are grappling with uncertainty and anxiety about what the future holds under President Vladimir V. Putin’s potential fifth term.
Maria and her husband, Aleksandr, who reside in Moscow with their three children, are among those concerned about the aftermath of the election. Fears of another mobilization for soldiers to fight in Ukraine loom large in their minds, prompting Aleksandr to consider leaving the country once again.
The couple’s worries are shared by many Russians, who are also anxious about the state of the economy, potential tax increases, and further crackdowns on dissent. The sense of unease is compounded by the Kremlin’s tight control over the electoral process and the media, as well as the recent death of prominent dissident Aleksei A. Navalny.
Experts warn that Mr. Putin’s unfettered power could lead to unpopular decisions and further escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. The outcome of the election is expected to be a landslide victory for Mr. Putin, raising concerns about the potential consequences for dissenting voices and the economy.
Despite the prevailing uncertainty, some Russians have adapted to the new reality following the invasion of Ukraine and subsequent mobilization. However, growing polarization between supporters and opponents of Mr. Putin is evident, with fears of a new crackdown on dissent looming large.
As the election unfolds, Russians are bracing themselves for what comes next, with the hope for the best but the expectation of the worst in a country where uncertainty has become the norm.
