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Russia is heading to the polls for a three day election that seems certain to grant President Putin his fifth term as head of state.

Voting is taking place over eleven time zones and will continue until Sunday. It includes territories occupied or influenced by Russia in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

Already the opposition says the vote will not be fair - and most major opposition figures are either in exile or dead.

Newsday has spoken to one man who is determined to keep the dream of democracy in Russia alive - in part by highlighting abuses in elections. In a rare interview Alexander - not his real name - explained why he is a member of a local electoral commission in his home, a large city in central Russia.

"I think that only real political competition can make real development of your country... it won't happen any time soon... but this is the process I will hopefully see in my life. This is why I am taking part in these elections, because when it happens that there will be more democratic elections in my country someone will have to conduct these elections."

(Pic: Early voting in Russia鈥檚 presidential election in Mariupol; Credit: Reuters)

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