The Kremlin appears to be gearing up for the presidential election in 2020.They plan to organize a national lottery to show their support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Among the most enticing prizes available in this lottery are thirty lodging coupons and three hundred visits throughout Russia.
These certificates, which are worth approximately 5 million rubles, or approximately $44,170 per household, are similar to real estate vouchers. The lottery is called “It is in Our Family,” and it will not be the main topic of conversation during Russia’s presidential election. According to several sources, including a senior member of the ruling United Russia party, two significant regional politicians, and someone with close ties to the Kremlin, it will be more of a side project.
The presidential elections are scheduled for March of next year; although Putin has not declared his intention to run for reelection, it is widely assumed that he will. According to the Levada Center, an independent Russian polling organization, Putin’s approval ratings in Russia are typically in the 80 percent range. It is also important to remember that a state-controlled media environment that frequently supports the government may have an impact on these high approval ratings.
Concerns have also been expressed concerning people’s propensity to answer pollsters in an open and honest manner. The non-profit group Freedom House, established in the US, claims that the elections in Russia are neither free nor fair. Freedom House keeps an eye on political liberties across the globe. The Kremlin has significant influence over elections and can stifle dissent.
According to Meduza, the “It is in Our Family” campaign is coordinated by the Kremlin’s deputy chief of staff and overseen by the head of public initiatives. Although this lottery has no formal connection to the election, the presidential elections are scheduled for March of the following year. While Putin has not said that he will seek reelection, it is widely assumed that he will. Putin’s approval ratings in Russia are usually in the 80 percent area, according to independent pollster Levada Center.
It is intended to sway voters in Putin’s favor, according to an unnamed political strategist cited by Meduza. According to Meduza, this initiative is essentially an indirect campaign and a form of propaganda aimed at guiding people toward making the “right choice,” which in this context means voting for Putin.
Participants in the raffle will be required to complete a variety of online activities such as singing, cooking, sharing family stories, and performing acts of kindness, according to Meduza. Projects like this one, according to the strategist, contribute to a general sense of optimism, especially at a time when Russia is dealing with Western sanctions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to reports, over 400,000 people have registered for the raffle, and Russian news agencies and local media outlets have been instructed to spread the word. d. The same outlet claims that local officials have been alerted that there is a connection between this initiative and the impending elections.
NIDHI KAMAL 