Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/election-marks-uncertain-milepost-in-russian-democracy Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Transcript After eight years of firm rule, Russian President Vladimir Putin is bound by law to give up his position. But Sunday's election, in which his hand-picked successor is expected to cruise to victory, is being derided by some as simply a continuation of his rule. Simon Marks reports from Moscow. Read the Full Transcript Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. JIM LEHRER: Russia's election. Special correspondent Simon Marks has our report. SIMON MARKS, NewsHour Special Correspondent: In Russia this week, virtually the only signs that a presidential election is taking place on Sunday are the signs.They started appearing across Moscow around three weeks ago, and they simply read, "March 2nd Elections for the Post of President of the Russian Federation."That dry reminder to people that this weekend they are supposed to choose Vladimir Putin's successor in the Kremlin is as exciting as this campaign has been.The man due to exit the presidency in May after wrapping up his constitutionally permitted two consecutive terms in office says the absence of excitement, drama or suspense is fine with him.VLADIMIR PUTIN, President of Russia (through translator): The fact that the campaign is a calm one without all of these debates and commotions inside the country is not a sign that democratic procedures are lacking here, but shows instead that most citizens of our country support the course we have followed over these last years. This explains why the election campaign is relatively quiet.