Vladimir Putin’s main rival barred from running against Russian leader in presidential elections
The decision by the central election commission was widely expected as election officials had repeatedly declared Alexei Navalny would be ineligible to stand
RUSSIAN opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been barred from running for president following a long-running row over a what he calls a "trumped up" prison sentence.
The decision by the central election commission was widely expected as election officials had repeatedly declared Navalny would be ineligible to stand against Vladimir Putin.
Twelve members of the 13-member commission voted to bar Navalny. One member abstained, citing a possible conflict of interest.
Navalny, 41, who polls show would struggle to beat Putin in the March election, said he would appeal and called on his supporters to boycott the election and campaign against it being held.
"We knew this could happen, and so we have a straight-forward, clear plan," said Navalny.
"We announce a boycott of the election. The process in which we are called to participate is not a real election. It will feature only Putin and the candidates which he has personally selected."
Navalny said he would use his campaign headquarters across Russia to support the boycott and monitor turnout on voting day, March 18.
Polls show Putin, 65, is on course to be comfortably re-elected, making him eligible to serve another six years until 2024, when he turns 72.
Allies laud Putin as a father-of-the-nation figure who has restored national pride and expanded Moscow's global clout with interventions in Syria and Ukraine.
However, Navalny says Putin's support is exaggerated and artificially maintained by a biased state media and an unfair system.
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He says he could defeat him if given the chance in a fair election.
Russia's constitution bars Navalny from running because of his suspended sentence relating to an embezzlement case.
Navalny has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, and says the case is politically motivated.
Navalny has also been jailed three times this year and charged with breaking the law by repeatedly organising public meetings and rallies.
