More Than A Number

Russians are going to polls in March 2012 to elect a new President. Current Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is poised to return as Russia’s President again.

There were massive demonstrations against Putin on Moscow streets lately. The crowed at the rally on February 4, 2012 against Putin estimated at 120,000.

It appears that Putin has no formidable challenge. Registration rules have eliminated some who may have given Putin run for his money. The Communist Party chief, Gennady Zyuganov, is expected to pick up only about 8% of the votes. Jewish and Armenian heritage of former chess champion Garry Kasparov make it difficult for him to clinch the title of President. The radical Left Front candidate, Sergei Udaltsov, want to address the widespread income inequality but his more leftist agenda drive away supporters who can remember the past. Alexei Navalny, a lawyer and an activist, may be the best hope of the opposition, but lacks popularity.

But Putin may run into trouble as soon as he gets elected to the presidency. The rampant corruption, fraud allegations of last parliamentary election, and continued demonstrations are sure to keep him occupied for next eight years or even worse that he may be out of power.