The Council of the Russian Federation has officially declared March 17, 2024, as the date for the upcoming presidential elections in Russia, the announcement  made through state news agencies.

The decision to set the election date had been widely anticipated, with initial speculation suggesting a December 13 announcement. This information was relayed by Gennady Zyuganov, the leader of the Communist Party of Russia, and other sources close to the matter.

Several have already expressed their intention to participate in the elections. Zyuganov, former State Duma deputy Boris Nadezhdin, ex-military leader of Donetsk pro-Russian separatists Igor Strelkov (Ghirkin), and journalist Ekaterina Duntsova from Rzhev are among those vying for the presidency. Additionally, the party New People is gearing up to present its own candidate.

The 2020 amendments to the Russian constitution have opened the door for the current president, Vladimir Putin, to seek a fifth term. However, Putin has remained tight-lipped about his plans, stating that he will disclose his intentions after the official announcement of the election date.

Sources within the Kremlin anticipate a smooth candidacy declaration from Putin, with expectations of an easy victory. Russian media outlets report that the presidential administration has set an ambitious goal, aiming to secure an overwhelming 80 percent of votes for Putin in the upcoming elections.