Nikolai Kharitonov, chairman of the Far Eastern and Arctic Development Committee of the Russian State Duma, emerged as a candidate from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation for the presidential race. He indicated that his campaign would refrain from direct attacks on the sitting president, Vladimir Putin. The statement came after the party congress, when Kharitonov spoke to reporters about the selection process and his place within the party slate. The remarks were reported by TASS.
Asked why he would not aim at the president in his public critiques, Kharitonov answered that the president is entrusted with the working cycle of the state. He questioned the necessity of criticizing the head of state, emphasizing instead that the evaluation of candidates and their campaigns would rest with the electorate during the elections. He noted his preference for constructive dialogue rather than personal sparring and stressed that voters will ultimately judge the campaigns and results of all candidates.
In Kharitonov’s view, serving as Russia’s president is a significant responsibility and a heavy burden. He said the head of state is entrusted with substantial duties and faced with considerable expectations. This perspective framed his approach to the campaign, underscoring a commitment to governance that prioritizes accountability and steady leadership.
The congress of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, held on December 23 at the Snegiri health complex near Moscow, culminated in a formal decision to nominate Nikolai Kharitonov as the party’s presidential candidate. The election day was scheduled for March 17, 2024, as announced by party officials and corroborated by contemporary coverage (TASS).
Earlier, the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation (CEC) had identified the number of individuals who sought nomination for the presidential race. The process highlighted the broader field of contenders and reflected the ongoing dynamics of Russia’s electoral landscape as the campaign season unfolded (CEC statements, contemporaneous media reports).