Don't expect any surprises in the Russian presidential election tomorrow. The result will be a shoo-in, especially as virtually none of the candidates, other than the one "blessed" by incumbent Vladimir Putin, has been heard from.
To make matters worse, the media coverage in Russia of the campaign has, as admitted by the head of Russia's electoral commission, been biased. It is needless to say in which direction is the bias.
Because the Russian constitution states that the president can only serve two terms consecutively, Putin has to step aside, although there are, according to legend, many compatriots who would wish him to continue in post.
In recognition of this alleged clamour, Putin has said he is prepared to take over the position of prime minister if his chosen successor as a president, Dmitry Medvedev, wins the election.
Medvedev has already confirmed that if elected, he would appoint Putin as prime minister, so that is all taken care of. Presumably it goes without saying that the present prime minister will step meekly aside to allow Putin to occupy the post.
So not only is the election result a foregone conclusion, but Russians see the whole issue as rather boring.
