INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
gears up for an election in which Putin is expected to win a fifth term.Putin, 71, who has been in power since 1999, is widely anticipated
to announce his 2024 re-election bid next month, having secured the power to serve two more presidential terms as part of controversial
formally calls the race next month.However, Putin took a series of steps this week indicating that preparations for the presidential race
martial law has been declared due to the invasion of Ukraine.On Thursday, Putin held a meeting with Central Election Commission (CEC)
officials in which he threatened to crack down on outside interference in the voting process.
