MOSCOW, March 5 Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration Buddhist Geshe Yonten (Sergei Kirishov) called the upcoming presidential elections in Russia one of the most important events against the backdrop of sanctions and special operations and advised Russians to vote.
The Federation Council has scheduled presidential elections for March 17, 2024. Voting will last three days: March 15, 16 and 17. Four candidates registered by the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation are vying for the post of head of state: Leonid Slutsky, Nikolai Kharitonov, Vladislav Davankov and Vladimir Putin.
«Buddhism teaches us that a person makes his own life and our future depends on us. This is a religion that calls, first of all, to responsibility, including as citizens. And the election of the president of the country is, perhaps, one thing one of the most crucial events in our lives, especially now, when our country is faced with unprecedented pressure from sanctions, when a special military operation is underway, when our entire future depends on every action of the leader of the country. Therefore, in my opinion, all citizens of Russia should take voting responsibly «, Kirishov said.
According to him, the Buddhist clergy for the most part always recommends going to the polls, however, “the clergy never tells believers for whom to vote.” “This should be a responsible choice for everyone. And according to the law of our country, religious organizations cannot take part in political campaigning,” concluded the agency’s interlocutor.
According to a survey conducted by VTsIOM, the majority of Russians (80%) are going to participate in the presidential elections of the Russian Federation. The all-Russian telephone survey was conducted on March 2-4, 2024 among 1,600 people over 18 years of age.
December 30, 2023, 11:25 InfographicsPresidential elections Russia: stages of the election campaignView