Creating a dilemma for the Kremlin, an unlikely challenger to Putin brings a rare show of defiance
PBS NewsHourJAN 2024
Russia: Anti-War Candidate Disqualified From Presidential Election
Image copyright: Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images News via Getty Images (Sept. 19, 2021)
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Despite claiming to have the overwhelming support of the Russian people, Vladimir Putin is clearly scared of any legitimate opposition. That's the only reason his electoral commission would disqualify Boris Nadezhdin from next month's presidential election. Everyone knows that Putin will imprison or even kill his political opponents, so it's no surprise he made sure that Nadezhdin couldn't run. Regardless, Putin’s support at home and abroad is crumbling as people realize the scale of his authoritarian ways.
Establishment-critical narrative
Boris Nadezhdin failed to qualify for ballot access on multiple grounds and was not allowed on the ballot — it's really that simple. While some anti-Russian and pro-Western forces may try to spin this situation as an authoritarian conspiracy, this is not the case. Russia will hold its fair and free election with four candidates next month, and the people will decide who is in charge of their nation, regardless of the whims of the so-called "rules-based international order."