While Vladimir Putin’s elections in Russia have widely been heralded as purely a sham, there is still a chance they could be thrown into chaos this weekend by a scheme masterminded by the late-Putin critic Alexei Navalny.
The Russian elections have commenced amid concerns over fairness and the potential for leadership change, igniting discussions about Vladimir Putin’s stronghold on power.
As voters across Russia and annexed regions of Ukraine participate, doubts loom over the legitimacy of the election. Strict controls on independent media and rights groups have reinforced Putin’s dominance.
However, dissidents have rallied behind a disruptive strategy known as “Noon Against Putin”.
The initiative urges Russian citizens to converge at polling stations simultaneously on March 17, the election’s final day.
“We want this dark time to end. We want a clear, normal future,” the campaign’s website declares. “At noon on Sunday, March 17, we will show others and see for ourselves that there are many of us.”
Crafted by opposition figure Maxim Reznik, the plan gained momentum following Navalny’s death. Navalny’s Telegram channel described it as “a powerful demonstration of the country’s mood” and “a nationwide protest against Putin.”
Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny’s widow, endorsed the campaign, viewing it as his “political testament”.
Reports of major voting irregularities have emerged. Some areas witnessed completed ballots in transparent boxes before polls opened.
Allegations surfaced that soldiers writing ‘Navalny’ had their votes tampered with by commanding officers.
“Our military unit has already voted… I personally know men who spoiled their ballots. Today I found these ballots in our company commander’s bedside table,” a source revealed.
A video has also emerged online of a protester pouring antiseptic green dye into a ballot box. This dye has previously been used in attacks on opposition activists and journalists. The woman reportedly faces criminal charges of election obstruction.
Early voting, particularly in conflict zones, opened avenues for abuse.
