Technical candidates for the russian presidency have begun withdrawing from the elections in favor of putin. This is reported by russian media.
In particular, presidential candidate Irina Sviridova from the nominal "Democratic Party of russia" has decided to forego the "continuation of the struggle" and called on supporters to back putin in these elections.
Sergei Baburin, the leader of the "russian All-People's Union" party, has also withdrawn from the presidential race in favor of putin. He announced his decision immediately after submitting the signatures collected in his support to the Central Election Commission. Baburin did not disclose why he conducted a signature campaign if he did not intend to continue participating in the elections.