Leader of the Kremlin-friendly Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, Leonid Slutsky and deputy Chairman of the State Duma of Russia and member of the party 'New People', Vladislav Davankov, submit documents to the Central Election Commission which allow them to register as candidates for the presidential elections scheduled for March 17 2024. According to election rules, candidates must file applications to run in the March vote by December 27. Putin confirmed this month that he would participate in the election, scheduled to be held over three days beginning March 15. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES