The Russian Central Election Commission has declined to register the initiative group led by Yekaterina Duntsova, an anti-Kremlin journalist, for the March 17 presidential election. In Moscow, the commission cited multiple errors in the group’s organization and submitted documents as the reasons for refusal.

Duntsova, aged 40, had openly criticized President Vladimir Putin’s policies, particularly regarding Ukraine, positioning herself as an alternative candidate. Her initiative group was crucial for gathering signatures to support her candidacy.

Supporters of Duntsova claim that minor spelling mistakes in names were deemed “serious errors” in the documentation, causing the rejection.

Ella Pamfilova, the head of the election commission and considered close to President Putin, addressed Duntsova, saying, “You are a young woman, you still have everything ahead of you. Every setback can be turned into an opportunity. Every experience is valuable.”

Previously, Russian state media had linked the journalist to exiled Putin opponent Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Critics of Putin argue that the election commission routinely rejects candidates due to formal errors, particularly those opposing the incumbent.

There’s an expectation that candidates posing no significant challenge to Putin will likely be permitted to run in the upcoming election. It’s widely believed that Putin will secure victory in his fifth presidential run.

Notably, the Russian president orchestrated amendments to the constitution enabling him to pursue reelection. As per the current constitution, the 71-year-old can potentially run for the final time in 2030. In Russia, a presidential term spans six years.