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At noon on Sunday, during the final day of the Russian presidential election, individuals against Vladimir Putin’s oppressive regime will respond to the ultimate plea of Alexei Navalny, the recently deceased leader of the anti-Kremlin movement.
Two weeks prior to his supposed death, Mr. Navalny stated that Russians are unable to influence the outcome of a predetermined election. However, if they all show up at the polling stations simultaneously, the Kremlin might realize the extent of the public’s desire for an end to Putin’s long-lasting control. This election, which started on Friday, will extend Putin’s rule for another six years. The Kremlin has complete control over the election with the sole intention of ensuring Putin’s victory. The Russian leader has not even put much effort into campaigning.
After over two years of Putin’s complete invasion of Ukraine, resulting in an increased crackdown on dissent in Russia, the opposition is now entering a new phase. The blame for Navalny’s death has been placed on Putin by Western countries, and Navalny’s widow Yulia has made it clear that she believes the Russian leader is responsible for her husband’s death – as he was the Kremlin’s most outspoken critic.
Apart from the assassination attempt on Navalny, almost 1,000 other opponents and activists against war have been incarcerated throughout Russia. And thousands more have been detained solely for participating in protests. Additionally, hundreds of thousands have been compelled to flee their home country.
Yulia has accepted her spouse’s request to flood voting sites as a symbolic act, despite the risk of arrest and lengthy imprisonment for participating in street protests. On Friday, several individuals were detained for various offenses, such as pouring green dye into ballot boxes, setting the boxes or polling booths on fire, and setting off fireworks inside polling stations. These actions are punishable by severe prison sentences.
Mikhail Khodorkovsky, currently a prominent dissident living in exile, was previously the wealthiest individual in Russia. He helped establish the Anti-War Committee, a group in opposition to the government, and has been a vocal supporter of the planned midday protest on Sunday. He has urged all participants to don the colors of the anti-war movement in Russia – white and blue.
He asserts that it is a political gesture, a political gathering to demonstrate our numbers.
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Last month, law enforcement officers arrested a female individual at a gathering held in honor of Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition leader.
On Thursday, Russian prosecutors issued a warning that individuals participating in the “Noon Against Putin” demonstration could face up to five years in prison. However, it is uncertain how authorities would respond to voters at polling stations since there is no legitimate justification for forcibly removing them.
According to Khodorkovsky, the current regime cannot be altered through democratic means. Instead, a revolution would be necessary. He acknowledges that this will not happen immediately and that the likelihood of success is low until Putin passes away and the militarization of Russia comes to an end.
“The machinery of the military has been put into action and will not come to an immediate halt. If the production of weapons persists, it will be difficult to regain mutual trust,” he states. “I believe this state of affairs will persist for the next ten years.”
However, this does not suggest surrendering. Khodorkovsky proposes that the next phase of opposition should consist of three parts.
We must aim to assist Russian individuals who seek to depart from Russia. This would serve to weaken the power of Putin’s regime, according to him. He points out that the “brain drain” was a significant issue during Joseph Stalin’s oppressive reign in the 1930s.
The secondary goal should be to counteract Putin’s propaganda. This will greatly impede his capacity to mobilize and enlist soldiers for the conflict in Ukraine.
Putin seems to have put minimal effort into his election campaign, as it is being closely controlled by the government to ensure his victory.
The third goal is to create a new perspective of Russia and its future for Russians. Currently, they have lost their desired image for the country and what a typical life should be like. Putin is reassuring them that there is no sense of normalcy, only constant conflict.
Boris Nadezhdin, a long-time politician who attempted to compete against Putin in the recent election, emerged from unknown status in late 2020 to represent the anti-war sentiment. Surveys indicated that over 15% of Russians would have chosen to vote for him. However, the government, under the control of the Kremlin, refused to allow him to participate in the election, citing issues with 15% of the signatures collected in support of his campaign. This move may have been influenced by the large number of people who had joined the queue to back his candidacy.
Critics have raised concerns about Nadezhdin’s advancement in a heavily orchestrated election, suggesting that it may be a ploy to bolster Russia’s democracy and serve Putin’s political agenda rather than a genuine display of his popularity.
Nadezhdin states that he thinks the best approach to continue opposing Putin’s oppressive reign is to adhere to the system. From his office in Moscow, he explains to The Independent, “My tactic is to remain in Russia and to refrain from harsh criticism.” He clarifies, “I will never denounce Putin personally. My critique is solely focused on his actions towards the country.”
Boris Nadezhdin, a well-known political figure, emerged as a prominent advocate for the anti-war movement in late 2019.
The eligible candidates have shown little effort in attempting to disrupt the current state of affairs and have specifically commended Putin.
“According to Nadezhdin, my score increased by 5% each week. Perhaps the Kremlin administration decided that I would gain too much if I were permitted to participate.”
Nadezhdin has announced his intention to support 40-year-old Vladislav Davankov, who is running for a liberal, pro-business party, but has not been very vocal. Meanwhile, Nadezhdin is getting ready for the upcoming local parliamentary elections in two years.
Nadezhdin will not openly endorse the “Noon Against Putin” campaign, which was supported by Navalny.
“I will just advise my followers to visit the polling stations on Sunday, March 17th, instead of Friday or Saturday. They can choose a time that suits them best,” he states.
“I believe I have a unique approach from [Navalny]. I have openly voiced my disapproval of Putin’s policies for two decades, but my 35 years in Russian politics have allowed me to understand the boundaries and limits. I am aware of what actions to avoid in order to prevent imprisonment.”
The strategy of taking a soft approach towards those who oppose Putin and have been forced to leave their home country is inadequate and will inevitably not succeed. The turnout for the midday protest will provide insight on the next courses of action.
Khodorkovsky states that he believes achieving a state of peaceful normalcy is attainable for Russians. He adds that their task is to illustrate this vision to them.
Source: independent.co.uk
