Russian journalist Yekaterina Duntsova has made a significant stride in her bid to become a presidential candidate, gaining the support of a voters' committee. The endorsement came during a meeting in Moscow, where 521 out of more than 700 participants voted in favor of her nomination.
The event, held at a conference center, was shrouded in secrecy for security reasons, with the location disclosed only moments before it commenced. Attendance surpassed the required minimum of 500 participants, signaling strong support for Duntsova's candidacy.
A representative from Russia's Central Election Commission was present to oversee the proceedings. However, the meeting wasn't without its challenges. According to the independent outlet 7x7, two police officers attended the event, and the moderator restricted the press from asking political questions.
The news outlet Ostorozhno, Novosti, reported that there was a power outage during the gathering.
With this initial hurdle cleared, the voters’ committee now faces the task of registering with the Central Election Commission. Duntsova then has until January 25 to collect 300,000 signatures from residents across Russia’s regions to formalize her candidacy.
These signatures must also undergo a verification process to confirm their authenticity.
Duntsova, who announced her presidential aspirations on November 16, advocates for an end to the conflict in Ukraine, democratic reforms, and the release of political prisoners. Her campaign hit a snag shortly after her announcement when she was summoned to the prosecutor's office over her stance on the Ukraine conflict.
