With Putin’s reelection all but assured, Russia’s opposition still vows to undermine his image

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In the lead-up to the upcoming Russian presidential election scheduled for March 15-17, President Vladimir Putin’s opposition is determined to make their voices heard, despite facing significant challenges. Many opposition figures find themselves behind bars in penal colonies or in self-exile abroad, but they remain committed to challenging Putin’s image and the course of his government.

While they acknowledge that Putin’s victory appears almost certain, given the suppression of opposition voices and independent media, these opposition figures aim to utilize the election campaign as an opportunity to sway public opinion and raise critical issues. They seek to undermine the widespread support for Putin and shed light on the devastating war in Ukraine.

Imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny emphasized the importance of their efforts, stating, “No one but us will step into this battle for the hearts and the minds of our fellow citizens. So we need to do it and win.”

To achieve their goals, various strategies are being employed. Navalny’s team has launched the “Navalny’s Campaigning Machine,” which involves engaging with Russians through phone and online communication, urging them to turn against Putin and the “candidate ‘War.'” By addressing citizens’ concerns, they aim to create political problems for Putin’s government.

Another opposition group, the Anti-War Committee, is focused on explaining to Russians what the future could be like without Putin, emphasizing a vision of no war, no repressions, and a focus on the economy, science, and education.

Some activists are considering election day tactics such as encouraging Putin critics to go to the polls at specific times to showcase the opposition’s strength through long queues.

Additionally, a project named “Our Headquarters” supports “democratic candidates with an antiwar position” and aims to help these candidates navigate the legal requirements for running in the election.

Navalny has also called on his supporters to vote for any other candidate besides Putin, a strategy that had significant impact in previous elections, leading to protests and government crackdowns.

In a bid to make Putin’s reelection more challenging, Maria Pevchikh, head of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, has urged Western countries to consider sanctions against celebrities endorsing Putin’s campaign.

Despite the hurdles facing the opposition, they are determined to use the election campaign as a platform to challenge Putin’s image and policies, with the hope that their efforts will resonate with the Russian people and lead to meaningful change. The Kremlin, on the other hand, aims for a smooth election process to maintain Putin’s image and authority.

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More about Russian Opposition

• Russia’s Putin announces reelection bid
• Alexei Navalny’s statement from behind bars
• Anti-War Committee’s campaign
• Our Headquarters project
• Maria Pevchikh’s call for Western countries