Aside from the incumbent president, there are three candidates in the elections — Vladislav Davankov, vice-speaker of the State Duma from the «New People» party, State Duma deputies Nikolai Kharitonov from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF) and Leonid Slutsky from the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR). The Central Election Commission refused to register all non-parliamentary party candidates and self-nominated candidates.
On the first day of voting, March 15, the voter turnout, according to official data, exceeded 38%, and on the second day it reached 58%. There were attempts to set fire to polling stations and damage ballots, with ballot boxes being filled with ink and green dye. During the first day of voting, the Investigative Committee initiated at least 15 criminal cases under the article on «obstruction of the work of electoral commissions,» reports » .»
On Sunday, the opposition declared a protest action called «Noon Against Putin.» It called on the protest electorate to come to the polling stations at 12 noon. This way, those who disagree with the policies can meet like-minded people and see that they are not alone. The idea belongs to former deputy of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg from the «Yabloko» party, Maxim Reznik. It was supported by many opposition politicians, including shortly before his death.