Within the month - Russians will head to the polls to select their next president. Television debates are being held with the candidates. But one candidate is refusing to take part. As CGTN's Jessica King tells us, that candidate is President Vladimir Putin.

JESSICA KING MOSCOW "There are eight candidates running in Russia's presidential election, including Vladimir Putin, who is widely expected to win. In the run-up to the vote on March 18th, they have the opportunity to present their policies and ideas, in TV and radio debates. Tuesday night was the start of the election campaigning. State TV broadcast a 40 minute program, with the candidates focusing on Russia's military and defense - and any perceived threats the country faces. The nationalist All-Russian People's Union party tried to play to audience nostalgia, saying it missed the days when girls dreamed about marrying a military officer, and also describing what members believe is the West's desire to "destroy Russian spirit". On the opposite end of the political spectrum, you have Ksenia Sobchak, who is positioning herself as the liberal alternative. The former reality TV star said she was angry that Putin decided not to be part of the debates, and said she had plenty of questions for him, including on the alleged activities of Russian military contractors in Syria. In another debate broadcast in Vladivostok on Wednesday, there were clashes between Sobchak and Vladimir Zhirinovsky from the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, which ended up with accusations of sexual harassment within Zhirinovsky's party. Over the next three weeks, there will be more opportunities to see what these candidates stand for, as they discuss the economy, jobs, healthcare and other domestic and foreign issues. But many will be disappointed that Putin himself is not there, to defend his record or face any of his opposition. Jessica King, CGTN, Moscow.