The Central Russian Electoral Commission has ruled out opposition leader Alexei Navalny from candidacy for presidential election 2018. In a public vote voted twelve of 13 members of Panel in Moscow for exclusion. A member abstained. Still on Sunday, supporters of opposition leader had prepared filing of his nomination and urged Kremlin to allow a candidacy.

Navalny reacted with a boycott call on vote. "We are declaring a voter strike," said 48-year-old in front of journalists in Moscow. "We will not acknowledge outcome of se elections." Now only Putin "and his handpicked candidates" participated in election, Navalny furr said: "Choosing to go now means voting for lies and corruption."

Navalny is most important opponent of President Vladimir Putin, who has been in power for 18 years. The opposition is currently subject to a suspended sentence for fraud. Critics view verdict against him as a political retaliation.

Because of conviction, Navalny would have been allowed to compete in presidential election next March only if he had received a special permit or if judgment had been revoked. For a year now, opposition has been building election campaign offices throughout Russia and mobilizing ir followers. As early as October, Electoral Commission had decided that Navalny would not be allowed to run for office until 2028. This year he was detained three times.

Putin is applying for a fourth term as president. His victory in election on 18 March is considered safe. He could remain in office until 2024.

Date Of Update: 26 December 2017, 12:02