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Ivan Rybkin, a candidate for Russia's presidential elections, told reporters that he decided to withdraw from the race. He accused the authorities of putting "unprecedented political pressure" on him, bribing the media and the courts and rigging opinion polls.
A Moscow district court rejected Mr. Rybkin's complaint against the Central Election Commission over its decision to prohibit him from taking part in televised campaign debates via video link from London.
On February 20, the Central Election Commission of Russia refused Mr. Rybkin the right to participate in televised debates via video link from London. Under Russian election laws, presidential candidates shall participate in televised debates personally, and not by video link, according to Alexander Veshnyakov, Chairman of the Central Election Commission.
On February 26, Mr. Rybkin complained to the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, but the court returned the complaint because it was not within its jurisdiction.
Earlier, Mr. Veshnyakov said that, in his opinion, none of presidential election candidates would withdraw from the race. The presidential election is scheduled for March 14, and the candidates may withdraw until March 8.
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RUSSIA IN FACTS
