The nomination of Vladislav Davankov, the first deputy chairman of the New People faction in the State Duma, for the presidential elections in Russia was anticipated. The move underscored how the party aims to present Davankov as a central figure capable of steering its national campaign. Political analyst Evgeny Kislyakov, a member of the Digoria expert club, offered insights on the development and its meaning for the party’s public image.
Kislyakov noted that members of the expert community had considered several New People candidates, including the party’s Duma group leader Alexei Nechaev and the deputy leader Sardana Avksentyeva. Yet the decision settled on Davankov, a choice that signals a strategic emphasis on his profile and experience.
Davankov brings a blend of public administration experience and private-sector know-how. He previously served as deputy director of the presidential platform Russia Is a Land of Opportunities and presently holds the post of Deputy Chairman of the State Duma. His career also includes leadership roles in election campaigns. In 2021 he headed the electoral center for the New People faction in the State Duma, and in the 2023 Moscow mayoral race he achieved a notable fourth-place finish. Kislyakov argued that these credentials justify the party’s nomination.
According to the political scientist, Davankov’s candidacy could aim to win the support of younger voters and small business owners who value self-reliance and proactive problem-solving. He suggested that Davankov may be seen as representing that demographic segment and highlighted that at 39 years old, he could emerge as one of the youngest candidates in the field.
Kislyakov described the party’s audience as comprised of young Russians, freelancers, and small business owners who favor independence and practical initiative. This framing aligns with the party’s broader message of empowerment and self-reliance among citizens who are comfortable solving issues on their own.
Additionally, the political analyst mentioned a sense of unity in the country’s political landscape around President Vladimir Putin, noting collaboration among parties on key legislative proposals and constructive governance. He pointed out that the New People party has repeatedly expressed appreciation for the president’s support on various issues, reinforcing the perception of shared goals: advancing national development, preserving sovereignty, and defending national interests.
On December 24, a congress of the New People party nominated 39-year-old Vladislav Davankov as their presidential candidate. The party’s event was part of a broader sequence of congresses held by parliamentary groups in the lead-up to the presidential elections, including a United Russia congress in support of Putin, a LDPR congress nominating Leonid Slutsky, and congresses of the Communist Party and Just Russia — For Truth, which named Nikolai Kharitonov and the leadership of Right Russia as candidates, respectively. These gatherings illustrate the diverse set of contenders and the competitive atmosphere surrounding the campaign season.