Not OP but I can answer this question. The protests are because opposition candidates have been removed from the ballot in local (i.e. mayor of Moscow) elections. They are required to get a certain number of signatures (several thousand) to get on the ballot, which is difficult because those who sign the petition go on government watch-lists as opposition supporters. Despite this, many opposition candidates gathered the required number of signatures, but the authorities used technicalities (improper address, illegible signature, etc.) to eliminate enough signatures and say they don't meet the requirement to be in the election, leaving only United Russia candidates (Putin's political party) on the ballot for upcoming elections.
Edit: Apparently the elections include local positions for state duma, i.e. positions in congress.
Dpan52 karma
Not OP but I can answer this question. The protests are because opposition candidates have been removed from the ballot in local (i.e. mayor of Moscow) elections. They are required to get a certain number of signatures (several thousand) to get on the ballot, which is difficult because those who sign the petition go on government watch-lists as opposition supporters. Despite this, many opposition candidates gathered the required number of signatures, but the authorities used technicalities (improper address, illegible signature, etc.) to eliminate enough signatures and say they don't meet the requirement to be in the election, leaving only United Russia candidates (Putin's political party) on the ballot for upcoming elections.
Edit: Apparently the elections include local positions for state duma, i.e. positions in congress.
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