Russia to start presidential election campaign shortly - Communist leader

Members and supporters of the Russian Communist Party lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow

FILE PHOTO: Head of the Russian Communist Party Gennady Zyuganov attends a gathering of the party members and supporters on the eve of Victory Day, marking the anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in Moscow, Russia May 8, 2023. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo

Source: X90156

Russia's upper house of parliament will on Dec. 13 officially announce the date of the March presidential election, Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov said on Tuesday - a step that marks the start of overt campaigning.

According to Russian law, the upper house of parliament must announce the exact date at least 100 days before the vote. Election day is widely assumed to be March 17.

President Vladimir Putin has not yet said whether he plans to run again, although it is generally expected that he will do so, and win.

"According to my information, the Federation Council will on Dec. 13 officially announce the start of the presidential election campaign," Zyuganov said.

Zyuganov said the ruling United Russia party would hold a conference on Dec. 17 and the Communists on Dec. 23.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters