Yekaterina Duntsova, a former TV journalist, has lost her appeal to run against President Vladimir Putin in Russia's presidential election scheduled for next March.
Her candidacy was barred due to errors in the paperwork, including spelling mistakes, as cited by Russia's Central Election Commission. The Supreme Court of Russia upheld this decision, rejecting Duntsova's appeal. This is reported by Moscow Times.
Duntsova, who envisioned a "humane" Russia that is "peaceful, friendly, and ready to cooperate with everyone on the principle of respect," now faces a significant setback in her political aspirations.
Her disqualification reflects the tight control Putin has established over 24 years in power, making his re-election almost certain. Prominent critics who could challenge him are either imprisoned or living abroad, and most independent media in Russia has been banned.
Following the loss of her appeal, Duntsova announced her plans to create her own political party, focusing on "peace, freedom, and democracy." She expressed her determination to "win the right to live without fear, speak freely, and feel confident about the future."
Despite her appeal to the leaders of the liberal Yabloko political party for nomination, the founder, Grigory Yavlinsky, has shown little interest. Duntsova has also urged her supporters to help independent candidate Boris Nadezhdin qualify for the race.
The Russian Communist Party, representing only token opposition in the State Duma, has nominated veteran politician Nikolai Kharitonov. The Civic Initiative party, not represented in the Duma, backed Boris Nadezhdin, who has spoken out against Russia's actions in Ukraine.
