The widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in an Arctic prison three weeks ago, called on his supporters on Wednesday to join a protest of this month’s presidential election that Navalny devised shortly before his still-unexplained death.
Yulia Navalnaya asked Russians opposed to President Vladimir Putin to get in line at voting stations on March 17, the last and main day of voting.
Putin is certain to win a fifth term in office, potentially extending his rule to 2030, in the election that includes only token opponents.
Navalnaya acknowledged that in a video message on X, formerly Twitter, saying “Putin will imagine any result that he likes, even 80, even 180 percent.”
But the gathering “will help millions of people see like-minded people and realize that we are not alone, we are surrounded by people who are also against war, against corruption and against lawlessness,” she said.
“We need to use election day to show that we exist and there are many of us, we are actual, living, real people and we are against Putin. … What to do next is up to you. You can vote for any candidate except Putin. You could ruin your ballot,” Navalnaya said.
Navalny had floated the noontime concept on Feb. 1, saying it was a “completely legal and safe” way to protest and that authorities would have no way of countering it. Mass protest actions in Russia have become effectively impossible under Putin’s intensifying crackdown on dissent and criticism in recent years.
Navalny was reported dead on Feb. 16. Authorities said that he became ill after a walk at his prison colony, but have otherwise given no details. Navalny had been imprisoned since returning to Moscow in early 2021 from Germany, where had been recuperating from nerve-agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin.
Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, is calling on Russians to gather on election day to protest against President Vladimir Putin and his government. Navalnaya’s plea comes as Russia prepares for parliamentary elections scheduled for September 19th.
Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, was poisoned with a nerve agent in August 2020 and narrowly survived the assassination attempt. He was subsequently arrested upon his return to Russia in January 2021 and is currently serving a prison sentence on what many believe to be politically motivated charges.
In a video message posted on social media, Navalnaya urged Russians to come out and vote against Putin’s ruling party, United Russia, which has been in power for over two decades. She emphasized the importance of using the elections as a platform to voice dissent and demand change.
Navalnaya’s call for protest comes amid a crackdown on dissent in Russia, with authorities cracking down on opposition figures, independent media outlets, and civil society organizations. The Kremlin has been accused of stifling political opposition and silencing dissenting voices through intimidation, harassment, and legal persecution.
Despite the risks involved in protesting against the government in Russia, Navalnaya remains steadfast in her commitment to fighting for justice and democracy. She has become a symbol of resistance against Putin’s authoritarian regime and continues to advocate for political reform and accountability.
The upcoming parliamentary elections present an opportunity for Russians to express their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs and demand change. Navalnaya’s call to action serves as a reminder that democracy requires active participation and engagement from citizens in order to hold those in power accountable.
As the world watches closely, the outcome of the elections in Russia will not only determine the composition of the country’s parliament but also reflect the level of support for Putin and his government. Navalnaya’s plea for protest underscores the growing discontent among Russians and the need for political reform in the country.
In the face of adversity and repression, Navalnaya’s courage and determination serve as an inspiration to all those who believe in the power of democracy and the importance of standing up for what is right. Her message is clear: it is time for Russians to come together, raise their voices, and demand a brighter future for their country.
