THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Around 40 Russians, those settled in the state and tourists, cast their advance vote for the Russian Presidential elections at a booth specially arranged at the Honorary Russian Consulate here on Saturday. Russian voters mostly came from Varkala and Kovalam to cast their franchise. There are eight candidates in the fray, including Russian president Vladimir Putin who will be seeking a second consecutive term (his fourth term in all).
“It is a golden chance for Russians who live in Kerala. In Russia I never missed my chance to vote in the election of President and Parliament. After getting married to Ajithkumar a native of Trivandrum, this is the second time I could take part in the election held here,” said Viktoria who is settled in the city. Maria, who got married to a native of Pravachambalam, Rino Binu, voted for the first time outside Russia.” I could also play a minor role in moulding future of Russia by participating in Presidential election held outside my country” said Maria.
The election process was overseen by Russian consul Dmitry Ananyaev, attaché Yulya Glabukina, and honorary consul of Russia Ratheesh C. Nair. “The Ballets which were received from the Central Election Commission of Russia will be sent back to Moscow through diplomatic channel from Chennai. They will be counted after the polling in Russia” said Mr Nair said. The 65-year-old Putin is expected to win in a landslide. Pavel Grudinin, called the Strawberry King, and Ksenia Sobchak, a former reality-TV star, are the other notable candidates. Putin's main political opponent, Alexei Navalny, has been banned from contesting the election.
