Why wait another month to report on the Russian election when we can wrap it up right now? Not that Mr Navalny ever threatened to beat Mr Putin, who is popular in Russia, but none of the other presidential candidates are even serious contenders. She's liberal, pro-gay, all the things Mr Putin isn't, but she is nevertheless seen as his preferred opponent, and not to be taken seriously. Mr Putin will win in a walk -- and yet Russia is a modern, well-educated country with a democratic constitution. We may find out in the 2024 election, when Mr Putin again comes up against the two-term limit.

Source: Bangkok Post February 22, 2018 21:33 UTC