Anna Cherepanova’s blog post, 13.04.2022

Photo: Anna Cherepanova / Photo by the Yaboko Press Service

The key things on the by-elections to the Duma of Novgorod on 10 April:

1. The super-low turnout of less than 10% questions the legitimacy of the elected deputy from [the ruling] United Russia [party].
2. The turnout was obviously artificially decreased, as there was virtually no information about the elections.
3. It was not candidate Belkova who won the election (any United Russia party’s candidate could have taken her place), but an administrative resource.
4. The fact that Ksenia Cherepanova, a candidate from the Yabloko party, who campaigned for peace under the conditions of the information blockade and the “emergency” situation, came second is worthy of respect.
5. The authorities, as always, waged a dirty campaign against Yabloko: there was an attack on Viktor Shalyakin and the initiation of administrative proceedings against him for the purpose of intimidation, and the seizure of postcards “Cherepanova stands for peace”.

The elections were neither free, nor fair, they were held in a special operation regime. We do not recognise the results of these elections.

Thanks to all voters for their support, and to Yabloko observers and activists for the work done. Our struggle for peace, for the future of Russia and the Novgorod region will go on!

Anna CHEREPANOVA

is a member of the Federal Bureau of Yabloko, Chair of the Novgorod regional branch of the party. Deputy of the Novgorod Duma