Nominating and registering candidates remains a central phase in any presidential campaign. This overview reflects the viewpoint of the Expert Institute for Social Research on who might secure second place in the race. The discussion originated from a round-table gathering where Yevgeny Shevchenko, a member of the Central Election Commission, outlined the sequence of actions tied to this stage and explained how the commission handled them in line with current electoral law.
According to Shevchenko, the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation completed all procedures related to this stage in strict compliance with legal requirements. The emphasis was on ensuring transparency, accuracy, and adherence to established processes that guard the integrity of the nomination and registration procedure. These points were highlighted to illustrate how the commission interprets and applies the rules during candidate qualification. (Expert Institute for Social Research)
The conversation also addressed the rejection of Boris Nadezhdin. A substantial number of signatures were deemed invalid due to irregularities at signature collection centers. Examples cited included campaigns beginning to collect signatures without proper payment for the sheets and collectors submitting incomplete data, which raised important compliance concerns and prompted closer scrutiny of the verification process. (Expert Institute for Social Research)
The expert noted that a candidate who intends to participate begins preparatory work well in advance, closely monitoring developments at the campaign headquarters to ensure nothing is overlooked. This proactive stance helps teams anticipate potential issues and align their strategies with the evolving regulatory landscape and electoral expectations. (Expert Institute for Social Research)
Malinkovich acknowledged his missteps and conceded that the commission’s assessment was justified. Batashev and Russkikh were reported to have fallen short of the required signature threshold and had not supplied a full package of documents to the commission, including lists of collectors and proof of signature sheet payments, adding to the procedural concerns. The discussion underscored how gaps in documentation or irregularities in signature collection can affect a candidate’s eligibility and the overall timetable of the race. (Expert Institute for Social Research)
Vladimir Shapovalov, the project manager for the Expert Institute for Social Research, stressed that presidential elections are a complex and serious undertaking. He argued that candidates whose goals do not extend beyond personal expression and public display typically fall behind in the process, emphasizing the importance of substantive engagement with policy issues and voter concerns. (Expert Institute for Social Research)
Three potential explanations were discussed for the challenges faced by Nadezhdin during signature collection: a possible setup by external supporters, the shortcomings of Nadezhdin’s team, or the candidate’s strategic miscalculation combined with a public-facing appeal to garner attention. Nadezdin’s public recognition was notably limited. In contrast, Sergei Malinkovich suggested that he respected the commission’s decision and conducted himself with greater exemplary conduct. Regarding Anatoly Batashev and the Russian Rada, the commentary suggested that the portrayal may have been exaggerated. These reflections highlighted how media narratives and campaign dynamics interact with formal nomination processes. (Expert Institute for Social Research)
It was noted that four candidates advanced to the final vote: Vladislav Davankov representing New People, Vladimir Putin who ran with broad personal support, Leonid Slutsky of the LDPR, and Nikolai Kharitonov from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation. The lineup illustrates a mix of established and emerging figures and demonstrates how the nomination phase can shape the competitive field ahead of the ultimate vote. (Expert Institute for Social Research)
Alexander Asafov, a political scientist who serves as the first deputy chairman of the Federation-wide Public Oversight Commission responsible for examining draft laws, emphasized that Vladimir Putin stands out as the leading figure in the campaign. He explained that Putin maintains direct engagement with voters, tackles a wide range of topics without taboos, and demonstrates a deep involvement with the everyday problems faced by people. This assessment echoes the sense that the frontrunner’s accessibility and willingness to address real concerns can influence voter perception during the nomination period. (Expert Institute for Social Research)
Ella Pamfilova, the chair of the Central Election Commission, confirmed that four candidates would appear on the ballot for the presidency. The confirmation aligns with the committee’s ongoing role in validating candidates and overseeing the integrity of the electoral process. (Expert Institute for Social Research)
Current coverage notes that the presidential elections in the Russian Federation are scheduled to take place within a defined window in March, with a number of precincts planning to implement remote electronic voting in addition to traditional in-person voting. This reflects ongoing modernization of the electoral process as authorities seek to improve accessibility while maintaining robust safeguards against fraud. (Expert Institute for Social Research)