Ex-TV Journalist Excluded from Russian Presidential Race
Yekaterina Duntsova, a former TV journalist and anti-war critic, has been barred from running in Russia's presidential election, blocking her challenge against President Vladimir Putin. Citing "numerous violations" in her application, the electoral commission unanimously disqualified her, fueling claims from Putin's critics of a sham election process designed to ensure no real opposition. The Kremlin, however, maintains that Putin's high approval ratings reflect his widespread support.
Duntsova, 40, plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, condemning the decision as undemocratic. She expressed frustration that voters are denied a voice different from the government's "aggressive discourse." Meanwhile, Boris Nadezhdin, another opposition figure, was put forward by the Civic Initiative party.
In response to her disqualification, electoral commission head Ella Pamfilova consoled Duntsova, encouraging her to see this setback as a learning opportunity. Duntsova's attempts to affiliate with the Yabloko party were rebuffed by its leader, Grigory Yablinsky, citing unfamiliarity with her.
Duntsova's presidential bid had attracted varied reactions, with some calling her move brave or part of a Kremlin strategy to feign competition. In a previous interview, she advocated for the release of political prisoners and voiced the exhaustion of Russians with the Ukraine conflict.
Analysts suggest the Kremlin wishes to avoid a repeat of Belarus’ 2020 election turmoil, where President Alexander Lukashenko retained power amid accusations of vote-rigging. Observers foresee Putin winning a new term, potentially becoming Russia's longest-serving ruler post-18th century.
Prominent opposition figure Alexei Navalny remains imprisoned, with his whereabouts currently unknown after a recent transfer. The Communist Party, historically second to the ruling party, presented 75-year-old Nikolai Kharitonov as their candidate, who expressed no intention to criticize Putin.
In response to her disqualification, electoral commission head Ella Pamfilova consoled Duntsova, encouraging her to see this setback as a learning opportunity. Duntsova's attempts to affiliate with the Yabloko party were rebuffed by its leader, Grigory Yablinsky, citing unfamiliarity with her.
Duntsova's presidential bid had attracted varied reactions, with some calling her move brave or part of a Kremlin strategy to feign competition. In a previous interview, she advocated for the release of political prisoners and voiced the exhaustion of Russians with the Ukraine conflict.
Analysts suggest the Kremlin wishes to avoid a repeat of Belarus’ 2020 election turmoil, where President Alexander Lukashenko retained power amid accusations of vote-rigging. Observers foresee Putin winning a new term, potentially becoming Russia's longest-serving ruler post-18th century.
Prominent opposition figure Alexei Navalny remains imprisoned, with his whereabouts currently unknown after a recent transfer. The Communist Party, historically second to the ruling party, presented 75-year-old Nikolai Kharitonov as their candidate, who expressed no intention to criticize Putin.
