Navalny fights to run against Putin in Russia election

MOSCOW: Alexei Navalny, seen as the only Russian opposition leader who stands a fighting chance of challenging President Vladimir Putin, yesterday sought to get his name on the ballot for an election in March.

The charismatic 41-year- old has declared his intention to contest the vote but officials have deemed him ineligible to run due to a criminal conviction, which he says is politically motivated.

Putin, 65, announced earlier this month that he will seek a fourth presidential term, which would extend his rule until 2024 and make him the longest-serving Russian leader since dictator Joseph Stalin.

Despite a litany of problems such as corruption, poor healthcare and increasing poverty, Putin enjoys approval ratings of 80 per cent and is expected to sail to victory against token opponents.

Navalny has called Putin ‘ a swindler’ and has indicated he would not give up.

“I want to secure your support,” Navalny told his backers in a blog post this week.

“Not letting us contest the election is impossible.”

The Western- educated lawyer says he is the only Russian politician who has been conducting a genuine election campaign, travelling to far-flung regions over the past year and urging everyday Russians to vote for him.

Yesterday, he will seek to get himself registered with the Central Election Commission, hoping that popular support for his bid would pressure officials into putting his name on the ballot.

To boost his chances Navalny will seek to get his candidacy registered in 20 cities across the country. — AFP