Russia’s election this past Sunday abounded with iPhone raffles, costumes and games. In the past, they were reported as having somewhat unbelievable levels of up to 100 percent turnout, supporting Putin’s party. But Putin’s victory also rested on genuine support from the general public, not just on the carrots and sticks used to mobilize otherwise reluctant voters. Winning this ostensibly “fair” contest helps the Putin regime achieve two main goals. Putin’s victory once again leaves the opposition humbled, leading to more squabbling among its leaders.

Source: Washington Post March 22, 2018 09:00 UTC