Russian Presidential Election: Alexei Navalny Barred from Competing

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been formally barred from competing in next year’s presidential election.
The Central Electoral Commission has said Navalny was ineligible because of a corruption conviction which he said is politically motivated.
He has urged his supporters to boycott the March vote.
According to media reports, Navalny, 41, was widely regarded as the only candidate with a chance of challenging President Vladimir Putin.
“We’re declaring a strike by voters. The procedure that we’re invited to take part is not an election,” Navalny said after the decision, adding that he would lead protests across the country.
Known for his anti-corruption campaign and protests against Putin, Navalny was given a five-year suspended sentence in a retrial earlier this year on embezzlement charges.
Putin is seeking a fourth term that would see him become the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin. He still retains a massive approval rating and is almost certain to ease to victory in the election.