Anti-war candidate barred from Russia’s presidential election
Yekaterina Duntsova wanted to end the conflict in Ukraine, but her candidacy was rejected over alleged flaws in her application
A former TV journalist has been disqualified from running against Vladimir Putin in Russia’s presidential election because of alleged flaws in her application to register as a candidate.
Footage from a meeting of the central electoral commission in Moscow showed members voting unanimously to reject the candidacy of Yekaterina Duntsova, who had wanted to run on a platform to end the war in Ukraine and release political prisoners.
Her disqualification was seized on by Putin’s critics as proof that no one with genuine opposition views will be allowed to stand against him in March – the first presidential election since the start of the 22-month conflict. They see it as a fake process with only one possible outcome.
I mean, good on her for being anti-war and wanting to release political prisoners I guess? I have no clue what she was expecting though. Trying to run against a dictator in a sham election seems like maybe not the best way to effect political change, not to mention dangerous.
Maybe she wanted to demonstrate what you said.
A lot of noble causes are dangerous. Putin would have a palace in Kyiv right now if brave souls weren't willing to make a stand against all odds.
Sometimes you become tired of bending and offering soap. Then you stand up, even if it is dangerous.
You have to prove to people they are not living in a free country.
And she appeared on a political scene right before the elections, so she might be just a "spoiler" candidate, who was planned to participate, but they changed their minds