In Tambov a woman-activist collecting signatures
for registration of YABLOKO in the regional election campaign
was summoned for an interview to the Federal Security Bureau
(FSB). A FAB officer made her to write a written explanation
why her signature sheets contained signatures recognised invalid
by handwriting experts.
The YABLOKO party was not allowed to participate in the elections
to the Legislative Assembly of the Tambov region under a pretext
of “fraudulent” signatures. The percentage of defective signatures
rejected by the electoral commission allegedly exceeded the
norms allowed by law: 1,900 signatures were selected for a
handwriting expertise and were checked with the Migration
Service database. The expertise recognised 79 signatures void,
about 200 contained minor corrections and therefore were not
counted at all.
YABLOKO’s activists say that such a withdrawal of the party
from elections represents a political order, moreover it is
surprising why FSB has been conducting verification of signatures.
"We think that the actions by the intelligence services
represent reprisals against the opposition party", said
Sergei Reznikov, leader of the Tambov branch of YABLOKO.
On February 22, the Tambov Region Court will examine YABLOKO’s
suit. In the suit YABLOKO asks the court to cancel the decision
by the Electoral Commission and allow the party to participate
in elections.
See also:
Regional
Elections 2011
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