Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has been barred from running in March’s presidential elections, a ruling which will test the mood of those critical of the Kremlin who have been looking to the anti-corruption blogger to challenge Vladimir Putin.
The Central Election Commission voted on December 25 to reject Mr Navalny’s candidacy application, deciding he was not eligible due to a criminal conviction. The February conviction for embezzlement has been criticised by independent legal experts and foreign judges as politically motivated.
