**2012 Russian presidential election**
**Definition:**
The 2012 Russian presidential election was a nationwide vote held on March 4, 2012, to elect the President of the Russian Federation. It marked the return of Vladimir Putin to the presidency after serving as Prime Minister, following Dmitry Medvedev’s single term.
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## 2012 Russian Presidential Election
The 2012 Russian presidential election was a significant political event in the Russian Federation, held on March 4, 2012. It was the sixth presidential election since the establishment of the office in 1991. The election resulted in Vladimir Putin’s return to the presidency after a four-year hiatus during which Dmitry Medvedev served as president. This election was notable for its political context, campaign dynamics, and the controversies surrounding the electoral process.
### Background
In 2008, Vladimir Putin, who had served two consecutive terms as president from 2000 to 2008, was constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term. Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Putin, was elected president, and Putin assumed the role of prime minister. During Medvedev’s presidency, there was speculation about whether Putin would return to the presidency in 2012. The political landscape was characterized by the dominance of the United Russia party, which supported both Putin and Medvedev.
The 2012 election was the first presidential election after a constitutional amendment extended the presidential term from four to six years, meaning the winner would serve until 2018. The election took place amid growing public dissatisfaction, economic challenges, and a series of protests that began in late 2011, sparked by allegations of electoral fraud in the parliamentary elections.
### Candidates
Several candidates registered to run in the 2012 presidential election, representing a range of political parties and ideologies. The main candidates included:
– **Vladimir Putin** (United Russia): Former president and prime minister, widely regarded as the frontrunner.
– **Gennady Zyuganov** (Communist Party of the Russian Federation): A veteran politician and leader of the Communist Party.
– **Mikhail Prokhorov** (Independent): A billionaire businessman who ran as a liberal reformist candidate.
– **Vladimir Zhirinovsky** (Liberal Democratic Party of Russia): Known for his nationalist and often controversial rhetoric.
– **Sergey Mironov** (A Just Russia): Leader of the social-democratic party.
Other minor candidates also participated but had limited impact on the election outcome.
### Electoral System
The President of Russia is elected by direct popular vote using a two-round system. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in the first round, a runoff is held between the top two candidates. However, in the 2012 election, Vladimir Putin secured a majority in the first round, eliminating the need for a runoff.
### Campaign
The campaign period was marked by intense political activity and public debate. Vladimir Putin’s campaign emphasized stability, economic growth, and Russia’s resurgence on the global stage. His platform promised to strengthen the country’s economy, improve social welfare, and maintain law and order.
Opposition candidates criticized the ruling establishment, highlighting issues such as corruption, lack of political freedoms, and economic inequality. Mikhail Prokhorov positioned himself as a pro-business reformer advocating for modernization and greater political competition. Gennady Zyuganov and Vladimir Zhirinovsky appealed to their traditional bases with nationalist and leftist messages.
The campaign also saw significant media coverage, with state-controlled outlets largely favoring Putin. Independent media and opposition groups faced restrictions and limited access to mainstream platforms.
### Election Day and Results
The election was held on March 4, 2012, with a reported voter turnout of approximately 65%. According to official results, Vladimir Putin won with 63.6% of the vote, securing a clear majority. Gennady Zyuganov came in second with 17.2%, followed by Mikhail Prokhorov with 7.9%, Vladimir Zhirinovsky with 6.2%, and Sergey Mironov with 3.9%.
Putin’s victory was seen as a continuation of his political dominance and was expected by most analysts. The election results allowed him to begin a six-year term as president, extending his influence over Russian politics.
### Controversies and Allegations
The 2012 election was marred by allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities. Opposition groups and independent observers reported instances of ballot stuffing, carousel voting (voters being transported to multiple polling stations), and pressure on voters. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and other international monitors noted that the election fell short of democratic standards in several respects.
Large-scale protests erupted in Moscow and other cities following the election, with demonstrators demanding fair elections and political reforms. These protests were some of the largest in Russia since the 1990s and reflected growing public discontent with the political system.
The Russian government dismissed many of the allegations and maintained that the election was free and fair. Authorities took measures to crack down on protests and dissent in the months following the election.
### Aftermath
Following his inauguration on May 7, 2012, Vladimir Putin began his third term as president. His administration focused on consolidating power, managing economic challenges, and asserting Russia’s role in international affairs. The political opposition remained fragmented and faced increasing restrictions.
The 2012 election and the subsequent protests highlighted tensions within Russian society regarding governance, political freedoms, and the rule of law. These issues continued to influence Russian politics in the years that followed.
### Significance
The 2012 Russian presidential election was a pivotal moment in the country’s post-Soviet political development. It marked the return of Vladimir Putin to the presidency and the extension of his leadership into a new era. The election underscored the challenges facing Russia’s democratic institutions and the ongoing struggle between the ruling establishment and opposition forces.
The election also had implications for Russia’s domestic policies and foreign relations, as Putin’s government pursued a more assertive stance on the global stage. The events surrounding the election contributed to shaping the political climate in Russia for the subsequent decade.
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**Meta Description:**
The 2012 Russian presidential election, held on March 4, saw Vladimir Putin return to the presidency amid allegations of electoral fraud and widespread protests. This election marked a significant moment in Russia’s political landscape and governance.