The “Midday In opposition to Putin” initiative, supported by just about all Russian opposition teams in addition to the late Alexei Navalny, inspired voters to go to polling stations, whether or not in Russia or overseas, at midday on Sunday and vote for any of the non-Putin candidates or spoil the poll.
It contributed to a backup on the embassy in Brussels.
“Prepare to attend no less than 40 minutes extra. We didn’t count on that quantity of individuals,” an embassy worker informed POLITICO after folks had already spent half-hour within the queue.
Individuals have been overtly comfortable and impressed to come back along with so many others who shared their dissenting views. Lots of them have been taking selfies, exhibiting themselves within the 200-meter line.
“I’ve no ‘my candidates’ on the record,” stated Kirill, who described himself as a Russian poet-in-exile. “Nonetheless, it is rather necessary to get right here to determine connections [with other opposition-minded Russians],” he stated.
“I can see folks sending photographs of spoiled ballots with completely different mottos on them. That is essential,” stated Kirill, who got here to vote together with his associate, youngster and their canine. “We’re all in a state of affairs the place now we have to redefine some agendas. And I feel that’s what this election is for,” he stated.
