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Putin challenger Boris Nadezhdin barred from Russia’s election

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Russia’s election commission has rejected Boris Nadezhdin, an anti-war challenger, as a candidate in the upcoming presidential election, citing flaws in the signatures submitted with his candidate application. Despite his efforts to contest the decision, the commission upheld its ruling. Nadezhdin, however, vowed to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.

The commission stated that over 9,000 signatures out of the 105,000 submitted by Nadezhdin were invalid, leaving him just short of the required 100,000 valid signatures. Nadezhdin expressed frustration, claiming widespread support and citing polls that positioned him as the second most favored candidate after Putin.

Nevertheless, the commission chairwoman, Ella Pamfilova, declared the decision final, suggesting that Nadezhdin could pursue legal action if he wished. The election is scheduled for March 15-17, with Vladimir Putin expected to secure victory as opposition candidates perceived as Kremlin-friendly dominate the race.

Despite the setback, Nadezhdin remained resolute, asserting that his candidacy was a crucial political decision. He had garnered significant support, amassing over 200,000 signatures nationwide. Nadezhdin, known for his appearances on state-run TV as an anti-war figure, emphasized his commitment to ending the conflict in Ukraine and normalizing Russia’s relations with the West.

Although his candidacy initially faced skepticism from some opposition figures, prominent voices like Alexei Navalny and Mikhail Khodorkovsky endorsed Nadezhdin’s campaign. However, pro-Kremlin commentators accused him of being a pawn for “Ukrainian Nazis,” reflecting the divisive nature of his candidacy.

Nadezhdin’s bid for the presidency echoes previous attempts by candidates to run on an anti-war platform, underscoring the prevalent sentiment of opposition to Russia’s involvement in Ukraine. Despite being barred from the race, Nadezhdin’s campaign resonated with segments of Russian society, particularly those affected by the conflict.

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Boris Nadezhdin: Putin challenger submits bid to run for Russian president

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Boris Nadezhdin, a Kremlin challenger, has declared that he has successfully gathered the required number of signatures to officially stand as a candidate in Russia’s upcoming presidential election. The former local councillor is notable for his outspoken criticism of President Putin and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Nadezhdin claims to have submitted over 100,000 signatures to the electoral authorities, a crucial step in the electoral process.

The electoral commission will now review Nadezhdin’s application, and if approved, he will join the race against current President Vladimir Putin. Putin has already registered as an independent candidate and is widely expected to secure another six-year term in the presidential election scheduled for March. Despite the dominance of Putin in Russian politics, Nadezhdin’s candidacy represents a challenge to the status quo.

In a country where opposition figures often face imprisonment or worse, Nadezhdin’s ability to openly criticize Putin without severe repercussions has been noteworthy. The former local councillor, who served for more than 30 years, recently accused Putin of undermining key institutions in Russia and expressed a commitment to ending the conflict in Ukraine if elected.

Thousands of Russians have shown their support for Nadezhdin by braving the cold to add their signatures to his candidacy. Nadezhdin shared a photo on social media, standing in front of boxes containing the signatures, emphasizing the collective effort of his supporters. The grassroots backing highlights a degree of public sentiment that extends beyond established political norms.

Russia’s political landscape has been dominated by Vladimir Putin since 2000, and a constitutional amendment passed in 2020 allows him to potentially remain in power until 2036 if re-elected in 2030. Nadezhdin’s candidacy, along with his critique of Putin’s leadership, adds an element of diversity to a political scene that has long been characterized by Putin’s enduring influence.

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‘Send back our husbands’ – Russian women in rare protest

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In a Moscow function room, a group of women, known as The Way Home, publicly criticizes the Russian authorities for keeping their husbands, part of the 300,000 reservists mobilized for the war in Ukraine, away from home. The women, who met through social media, have different views on the war but share the belief that their husbands have fulfilled their military duty and should return.

The women express frustration with the government and its lack of consideration for the soldiers’ well-being. They meet with local councillor Boris Nadezhdin, a rare government critic who has been allowed on national television. Nadezhdin, critical of the military operation, believes the war has damaged Putin’s domestic popularity.

Critics of the war blame the mobilized men, while Kremlin supporters label the women as Western puppets. Russian MP Andrei Kartapolov suggests that calls for demobilization are orchestrated by Russia’s enemies, linking it to World War Two. The women find such comparisons insulting, emphasizing that the current conflict is different.

Maria Andreeva, a member of The Way Home, not only advocates for her family’s return but also aims to prevent further call-ups. The group stages peaceful protests by laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Despite their efforts, the women feel a lack of support from society. Antonina, whose partner was drafted, shares her disappointment in the changing perception of her husband among friends. She emphasizes the desire for the return of husbands who did not volunteer for the front line, questioning Putin’s attitude towards citizens who once supported him. The women fear the possibility of a second wave of mobilization, despite Putin’s earlier assurances.

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