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Putin re-election bid shows Africans are not the only ones who “Cling” to power

President of Russia, Vladimir Putin’s recent announcement of seeking a new six-year term as the head of the Country in 2018 elections, has now proven that African leaders are not the only ones who hold unto powers with their “molar” as it is being perceived.

65 years old Putin, declared his ambition, which has been long anticipated, when he paid a visit to a car factory in Nizhny Novgorod, on Wednesday.

Putin was asked by one of the workers if he would run amid loud cheers of “GAZ supports you” erupting the factory hall.

 “Today in this hall everybody, without exception, supports you. Give us a gift, announce your decision!”

The Russian President, who has earlier been asked on a live Television programme hours ago, to which he said he was still thinking about it, responded in affirmative.

“There is no better space and no better occasion to announce this. I will run for the Presidency of the Russian Federation.”

If he wins the election as is likely, he would have ruled the Country for 24 years; the longest by a Russian leader after Joseph Stalin’s 29 years rule.

His strongest rival, Aleksei Navalny, an anti-corruption crusader and opposition politician who organized several large national protests this year, has been barred from running following series of criminal cases that he and rights advocates call politically motivated. Yet, even if he were allowed to run, it is doubtful that he would be popular enough to threaten Mr. Putin.

Mr Putin first ruled the Country as President on an eight-year term; four each from 2000 to 2008.

His term limit hindered him from seeking another term and he was reported to have handpicked his ally, Dmitry Medvedev, to run while he (Putin), won the Prime Minister seat.

Medvedev later resigned 2012, after extending Presidential term limit to six years, giving room for Putin to reclaim his former position.

Many believe his new bid is an opportunity for him to cling more to power, expecting he would change the constitution before the end of his term.

Mr Venediktov, an Editor of a radio show wrote on the messaging service Telegram last month: “I am absolutely convinced that Vladimir Vladimirovich [Putin] will not cede power in 2024 either.

“That means. . . it’s necessary to change the configuration of power and transfer the main power to an institution other than the presidential post.”

If re-elected next year, Putin will have to choose if to leave Dmitry Medvedev as Prime Minister or appoint someone else. That decision will trigger a round of intrigue over the succession, as whoever holds the Prime Minister’s post is often viewed as the President’s heir apparent.

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