Russia Presidential Election 2024:

Vladimir Putin’s current fourth term as the President of Russia is set to end in 2024. Elections are scheduled to take place in Russia next year, marking the first general election since the start of the Ukraine War. Putin has announced his participation in these elections. However, there’s been recent news that Russian TV journalist Yekaterina Duntsova, who intended to run in the elections, has faced a setback.

Yekaterina applied on Thursday to contest in the Russian Presidential Election, but the Election Commission rejected her candidacy, citing ‘errors’ in her application.

Who is Yekaterina Duntsova?

Yekaterina Duntsova is a journalist based in Russia, approximately 40 years old. She has been a vocal critic of Putin. Yekaterina is a mother of three and takes care of her children herself. In an interview with Reuters, she stated, “Many Russians wanted someone to challenge Vladimir Putin in the election.” Yekaterina lacks political experience but is an advocate for ending the war.

‘I Love My Country…’

Recently, Yekaterina Duntsova explained her decision, saying, “Why did I make this decision? I love my country, I want Russia to become a prosperous democratic and peaceful state, but currently, our country is heading in a completely different direction. I understand that many people are waiting for this. But we need to take action. Let’s try at least! Let’s make an effort to win this election!”

Allegations against Yekaterina:

Supporters of Putin have accused Yekaterina of participating in the elections as a tool of Western countries. Some have labeled her a foreign agent. Western media had previously suggested that Yekaterina aims to challenge Putin in the elections, but Putin’s supporters insist that he will not allow them to come to power.

Regarding the war with Ukraine, Yekaterina says, “People are dying every day, and I am sure they wanted to live. We all want to live, and we need peace.” Yekaterina Duntsova is gaining international attention because Putin has been repeatedly accused of not tolerating his critics or opponents. Due to the fear of Putin, many leaders live abroad or are imprisoned. Questions have been raised in various media reports about the deaths of critics, allegedly connected to Putin.

Presidential term in Russia extended from four to six years:

Yekaterina Duntsova had come on stage to end the war with Ukraine. It’s worth noting that a constitutional amendment in Russia in 2020 extended the presidential term from four to six years, giving Putin the opportunity to return to power by canceling his previous term. Recently, Yekaterina Duntsova announced that she would run for the presidency. At that time, in an interview with a news agency, she said that any sensible person would be scared to take such a step, but victory does not come from fear.

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