Press Release, 19.07.2024

The Territorial Electoral Commission in the Novgorod region registered ten candidates from Yabloko. In total, the regional branch of the party nominated 13 candidates. Registration was denied to Valery Kochnev, and Oksana Sergeyeva will soon be denied registration as well, they were found guilty last year of “demonstrating extremist symbols”. Registration of a candidate for the by-elections to the regional Duma, Ksenia Cherepanova, will take place on 19 July.

The Territorial Electoral Commission of the Novgorod region refused to register Valery Kochnev, the candidate for deputy of the Savinsky rural settlement from the Yabloko party.

According to the electoral legislation of the Russian Federation, citizens brought to administrative responsibility under extremist articles are deprived of passive voting rights for a year, that is, they cannot be elected to state power bodies and local self-governments. A year has not passed since Valery Kochnev was brought to justice. Formally, the electoral commission made a decision in accordance with the law.

It is expected that the electoral commission will refuse to register Oksana Sergeyeva, the current municipal deputy of the Council of the Ermolinsky rural settlement from the Yabloko party, under the same “article”.

Yabloko does not agree with the repressive legislation and restrictions on the voting rights of citizens and demands its abolition.

“Residents of Savinsky and Ermolinsky rural settlements were deprived of the opportunity to vote for deserving candidates, real representatives of citizens. However, the party still has two candidates in Savinsky and Ermolinsky rural settlements each. Support them in the elections!” Anna Cherepanova, the leader of the regional branch of the party and deputy of the Duma of Veliky Novgorod, commented.

The list of Yabloko candidates is here.

Yabloko turns to its supporters for help so that to win the elections and ensure the interests of citizens are represented.

The Novgorod Yabloko needs dozens of volunteers to reach the maximum number of voters and tell them about Yabloko candidates and their programmes. The party headquarters is looking for campaigners for pickets and door-to-door visits, call centre operators, and SMM specialists. A little later, observers will be needed to defend the votes cast for the Yabloko party candidates.

The Novgorod branch of Yabloko calls on its voters and supporters to join the team of peace and freedom.