The looming presidential election in Russia next March has divided Russian citizens. The exclusion of the charismatic opposition leader Alexei Navalny from the ballot list will surely make a farce of this election.

Hundreds of voters are disillusioned and many of them are very critical of Mr Putin. If he remains in power for another term (and he definitely will), there is little chance for change, because as it turns out, only candidates who pose no challenge to Putin are allowed to stand for election.

Having got rid of Navalny by barring him from registering as a presidential candidate, the Kremlin's political consultants and analysts agree that Mr Machiavelli Putin would automatically return to power. However, Navalny is now urging his supporters to boycott this election because of his exclusion from entering the race. Navalny's exit has placed anti-Putin voters in a dilemma regarding his call to boycott this election.

Thousands agree with Navalny that this election is an absolute mockery, a fake, where honest citizens are being deprived of their political rights. Normal and competitive elections are not held this way. This is going to be simply 'Putin's reappointment', an insult to voters' dignity despite his sky-high approval ratings.

By calling for a 'voters' strike' or poll boycott, Navalny has found the Kremlin's weak spot. Low turnout, which could tarnish Putin's victory, is what his canvassers are most worried about. The Kremlin and Putin and his gang of thieves are now struggling on how to deal with this menace... the brave opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

 

Jos Edmond Zarb

Birkirkara