It had long been clear the election would be neither free nor fair: Putin would be the only real candidate standing, with all his prominent critics either dead, imprisoned, in exile or struck off the ballot. But by simply showing up at the appointed hour, Russians could voice their disapproval and expose the vote — intended by the Kremlin to deliver the ultimate acclamation of Putin after his assault on Ukraine — as bogus.
Navalny’s death just over two weeks later — officially from natural causes, a claim vehemently disputed by his supporters and family who maintain he was murdered — has given the movement new impetus.
After thousands of Russians braved the cold and the authorities to line up during his funeral and lay a small hill of flowers on his grave, Navalny’s call has been taken up by his widow and political heir Yulia Navalnaya.
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