Joshua Tucker explains:
Whether Putin survives the whole six years [of his next term] is likely going to depend on whether the nascent protest movements in Moscow eventually make it impossible for Putin to stay in office, or, more likely, lead other elites to conclude that it more trouble than it is worth for Putin to continue as president. Thus, to the extent that a weakened Putin encourages more protest, the results of the election do "matter", perhaps especially so in Moscow.
(Photo: A poster with a picture of Russian Prime Minister and presidential candidate Vladimir Putin, reading 'Another 12 years? No, thank you!' is seen after an unsanctioned opposition rally in front of the Russian Central Election Commission headquarters in Moscow, on February 28, 2012. By Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP/Getty Images)
The Dish 
