Vladimir Putin’s reelection in 2004 marked a pivotal moment in Russia’s post-Soviet political development. This victory secured his second term as president after initially coming to power in 2000 when Boris Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned.
The March 2004 presidential election resulted in a landslide victory for Putin, who received approximately 71% of the vote. His nearest competitor, Communist Party candidate Nikolai Kharitonov, managed just 13.7%. This overwhelming margin reflected Putin’s growing popularity among the Russian electorate at that time.
Putin’s first term had been characterized by economic growth and increased political stability following the tumultuous 1990s. The Russian economy was benefiting from rising global oil prices, and many citizens credited Putin with restoring order after the chaotic Yeltsin years. This economic improvement formed a central pillar of his campaign platform.
The election took place against a backdrop of growing centralization of power. During his first term, Putin had already begun consolidating control over Russia’s media landscape and reining in the influence of regional governors and oligarchs who had amassed significant power in the 1990s.
International observers noted concerns about the electoral process. The OSCE documented issues including state media bias favouring Putin, restrictions on opposition campaigns, and administrative resources being used to boost turnout for the incumbent.
Despite these concerns, Putin’s domestic approval remained high. Many Russians valued the perceived stability and renewed national pride he represented after a decade of economic upheaval and perceived international humiliation following the Soviet collapse.
The 2004 reelection effectively cemented Putin’s dominance of Russian politics. It enabled him to continue policies aimed at strengthening the “vertical of power” – centralizing authority in the Kremlin and reducing the influence of independent political forces.
This election victory would later pave the way for Putin’s continued control of Russian politics, whether as president or prime minister, extending well into the 2020s and fundamentally reshaping Russia’s political landscape and its relationships with the wider world.
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