Voting begins in Russia's presidential election

Voting has begun in Russia's presidential election. Voting started today Friday (March 15) and will continue till Sunday (March 17). France Twenty Four said.

This is the first time in the country's history that voting for the presidential election will continue for three days. Voters can vote electronically as well as paper ballots. More than 11 crore 23 lakh voters will give their opinion on the ballot. The list also includes voters from the occupied territories of Ukraine.

While most of Putin's opponents are abroad or in prison, three other candidates are on the ballot paper. In the fray are Leonid Slatsky of the Liberal Democratic Party, Vladislav Davankov of the New People's Party and Nikolai Kharitonov of the Russian Communist Party.

295 polling stations have been set up in 144 countries for expatriates. Even astronauts on the International Space Station can vote by proxy.