Kremlin critic Boris Nadezhdin has formally applied to run in Russia’s upcoming presidential elections in March, submitting the required documents to the Central Election Commission (CEC).
The 60-year-old councilor, known for his opposition to the Kremlin, has garnered over 100,000 signatures from 40 regions, meeting the threshold to challenge President Vladimir Putin.
Nadezhdin’s candidacy, along with others, will undergo scrutiny by election officials to verify the authenticity of the signatures.
The CEC will announce next month the final list of candidates who will appear on the ballot alongside Putin.
While Putin, running as an independent candidate, needs 300,000 signatures, he has already amassed over 3.5 million supporters.
Despite facing criticism over the invasion of Ukraine, Putin remains a dominant figure in Russian politics and is widely expected to secure a fifth term as president.
Born in Soviet-ruled Uzbekistan to a Jewish mother and physicist father, Nadezhdin has been involved in Russian politics for three decades, serving as a councilor in Dolgoprudny.
He has voiced opposition to the war in Ukraine and advocates for the release of political prisoners in Russia.
Nadezhdin’s candidacy has drawn attention amidst concerns about Kremlin interference and the suppression of dissent.
His bid reflects growing public discontent, particularly regarding military spending and political repression.
Despite potential challenges, Nadezhdin remains determined, expressing gratitude to his supporters and emphasizing the significance of the signatures collected.
Source-Aljazeera
