Yekaterina Duntsova, a former TV journalist known for her anti-war stance, revealed on Wednesday that Russia’s Supreme Court has affirmed the decision to prevent her from participating in the upcoming presidential election in March.
The central electoral commission, citing “numerous violations” in the submitted documents supporting her candidacy, unanimously rejected Duntsova’s bid.
Confirming the dismissal of her appeal on her Telegram channel, Duntsova announced her intention to establish a new political party catering to those advocating “peace, freedom, and democracy.” She believes these principles resonate with tens of millions of Russians whose perspectives, she argues, are currently unrepresented.
Despite not being widely recognized in Russia and acknowledging a modest support base, Duntsova, in a previous statement to Reuters, expressed her belief in an unfair disqualification.
The central election commission maintains that its decisions are grounded in rules, emphasizing its responsibility to ensure candidates adhere to the correct procedures.
With incumbent Vladimir Putin poised to secure another six-year term, facing minimal competition, the Kremlin cites high approval ratings, around 80%, and asserts widespread support for what it terms Moscow’s “special military operation” in Ukraine, as indicated by opinion polls.
