A Putin-shaped throne

摘要

Over the past few weeks Russians have been treated to an election show with all the trimmings: televised political discussion, opinion polls and live coverage of the votes coming in. The only missing bit was the election itself. The real selection of Dmitry Medvedev took place last December, when Vladimir Putin announced him as his successor, while promising also to become Russia's next prime minister. The balloting on March 2nd, when 70% of voters endorsed Mr Putin's choice, was mere ritual.