PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, March 14. /TASS/. Participating in the presidential election is a manifestation of patriotism, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a video address ahead of the presidential election.
"Let me be straight, taking part in the election today is a manifestation of patriotic feeling," he said. "People in Donbass and Novorossiya, who voted for reunification with Russia at the referendums in the most difficult conditions understand this only too well and will also make their choice on these days."
"Our soldiers on the frontline will also take part in the voting. They are defending the motherland, demonstrating courage and heroism. And they are setting an example for all of us by taking part in the election," he stressed.
The Russian Federation Council, or upper house of parliament, officially designated March 17, 2024 as the day of the presidential election. The Russian Central Election Commission (CEC) then announced that voting will take place over three days on March 15-17.