Yekaterina Duntsova, a former TV journalist and critic of Russia’s war in Ukraine, has been disqualified from running against President Vladimir Putin in the upcoming presidential election. The country’s electoral commission unanimously rejected her candidacy application, citing “numerous violations” in the submitted papers. Duntsova, an independent politician advocating for ending the conflict in Ukraine, had gathered the required 500 endorsements, but the commission found 100 errors in her nomination papers. Critics view this decision as reinforcing the perception that the Kremlin will not tolerate serious contenders against Putin in what they consider a predetermined election process.
The Central Election Commission (CEC) identified errors in spelling names and questioned the authenticity of meeting minutes with Duntsova’s supporters. This decision intensifies skepticism about the electoral process’s legitimacy, with many considering it a staged event favoring Putin. Duntsova, a lawyer and former local legislator, plans to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court, decrying it as unjustified and undemocratic.
Duntsova’s rejection highlights concerns about limited political opposition in Russia, especially when it challenges the official narrative. She called for the release of political prisoners and expressed the public’s weariness with the Ukraine conflict. Despite her efforts, Duntsova faces significant obstacles in a political landscape dominated by Putin, who submitted his nomination papers and is expected to win the March 17 election.
Duntsova’s appeal to the Yabloko political party for nomination was unsuccessful, indicating the challenges faced by opposition figures. Putin, who has maintained power since 1999, enjoys widespread popularity, particularly following the onset of the war in Ukraine. The upcoming election, featuring a three-day voting window, has been criticized for potential risks to election integrity, including complications for poll watchers and ballot security. Amidst the political landscape, Igor Girkin, a former pro-Russia fighter in eastern Ukraine, and Boris Nadezhdin, a former lawmaker, have also announced their presidential candidacy. The CEC reports 29 candidates applying for nomination in a context where skepticism about the electoral process remains prevalent.
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