Opposition leader Alexei Navalny to contest against Putin- register

Moscow, Dec 24: Opposition leader, Alexei Navalny who is contesting against President Vladimir Putin will get his name on the ballot on Sunday for an election in March.

The charismatic 41-year-old has declared his intention to contest the vote but officials have deemed him ineligible to run due to a criminal conviction, which he says is politically motivated.

Putin, 65, announced earlier this month that he will seek a fourth presidential term, which would extend his rule until 2024 and make him the longest-serving Russian leader since dictator Joseph Stalin.

Despite a litany of problems such as corruption, poor healthcare and increasing poverty, Putin enjoys approval ratings of 80 percent and is expected to sail to victory against token opponents.