The CEC's announcement indicates that only three candidates will take part in these propaganda activities: Vladislav Davankov for New People, Leonid Slutsky for the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia and Nikolai Kharitonov for the Communist Party of Russia.
Incumbent President Vladimir Putin, who will run in the election as an independent candidate, refused to take part in the debates, a decision the Central Election Commission described as the candidate's right.
For his part, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russian citizens have the opportunity to find out about Putin's statements on all aspects of life almost every day.
He also recalled that Putin's agenda as head of state is very narrow, which clearly distinguishes him from the other candidates.
Russia has called presidential elections for March 17th. The elections will take place from the 15th to the 17th, making them the first presidential elections in Russia to last three days.
This Sunday, February 25, also by decision of the Central Election Committee in Russia, early voting began in remote and difficult-to-access areas, as well as on ships crossing on election day and in the new Russian regions close to the front line.
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