An independent politician named Yekaterina Duntsova wanted to run for president in Russia and end the war with Ukraine.

However, the electoral commission rejected her application three days after she submitted it, claiming there were 100 mistakes on her form. Despite this, Ms. Duntsova plans to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court.

The upcoming presidential election in March 2024 is Russia's first since President Putin's invasion of Ukraine two years ago.

Some people see the quick rejection of a critic of Putin as a sign that there is no room for disagreement in the election campaign.

The head of Russia's electoral commission, Ella Pamfilova, told Ms. Duntsova that she won't be allowed to move on to the next step of gathering supporters' signatures.

Despite the setback, Pamfilova encouraged Duntsova, saying she is young with a lot ahead of her and that any negative experience can still be turned into a positive one.