Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has called on voters in the upcoming September parliamentary elections to support the “Yabloko” party, according to a video message released by the politician. According to Navalnaya, supporting the party stands as a morally and politically correct step to disrupt Kremlin plans and reduce votes for President Vladimir Putin’s party, which she argues will hinder the continuation of the war, new mobilization, and the continued plundering of the country.
Yabloko Expresses Concerns Over Opposition Endorsements
According to statements published on Telegram by “Yabloko” chairman Nikolai Rybakov, the party has expressed concerns that the public endorsements from exiled Kremlin critics could result in the party being barred from participating in the elections. Rybakov stated that “Yabloko” maintains no ties with exiled opposition figures, possesses no foreign funding sources, does not maintain relations with organizations designated as undesirable within Russia, and does not consider statements, appeals, or events organized by any person abroad to be part of its election campaign. Navalnaya emphasized that “Yabloko” is the only anti-war party registered for the elections, while the party notes it is participating with the slogan “For peace and freedom!”
Exiled Figures Rally Behind the Anti-War Platform
Additionally, Navalnaya noted that she and her team, within the framework of the "Smart Voting" project, are preparing recommendations on how to vote in single-mandate districts.
Did you know? “Yabloko” is the only anti-war party registered for the elections, though several of its representatives, including Rybakov, will not be able to start in the elections because protocols have been drawn up against them under articles on “extremism”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are exiled opposition figures supporting “Yabloko”?
According to Yulia Navalnaya, it is morally and politically correct to support “Yabloko” to try to disrupt Kremlin plans, ensure fewer votes for Putin’s party make it harder for Putin to continue the war, carry on with a new mobilization, and continue plundering the country, noting it is the only anti-war party registered for the elections.
What is the official stance of the “Yabloko” party regarding these endorsements?
According to party chairman Nikolai Rybakov, “Yabloko” categorically has no ties to the opposition members in emigration who called for supporting the party in the elections, noting that support from those whose backing in current circumstances can lead to the party’s exclusion from the elections has been decided to be publicly supported on social networks in recent days.
Can Nikolai Rybakov and other party leaders run in the election?
Worth a look