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Rally in Moscow, Tuesday, July 16, to denounce the invalidation of opposition candidates. Daniel Vallot / RFI

The electoral commission has decided to invalidate the registration of about 30 candidates for election to the Parliament of the City of Moscow. Reason: The candidates allegedly submitted several hundred non-compliant signatures. But the opposition denounces a falsification intended to prevent him from participating in the ballot. Reportage.

With our correspondent in Moscow, Daniel Vallot

For invalid candidates and their supporters, nothing can justify the decision taken by the electoral commission. Among the candidates excluded from the poll, Ivan Jdanov, a lawyer, close to Alexei Navalny: " I just said during the meeting, I'm in a rage. It's not just a refusal, it's a cynical and shameful rejection. The truth is that they do not want the real candidates to participate and they only accept candidates who pose no threat to the mayor of Moscow. "

Among the demonstrators who came to support the failed candidates , we meet Youlia, a young Muscovite, who came to participate in the rally, despite the rain of water falling on Moscow.

" I consider that my rights, my choice, must be respected by the State, I want to be respected and that there is justice in the country where I live. Our choices are not taken into account and of course it disgusts me! It makes me want to fight for my opinions, it is essential. "

Opposition candidates have already announced that they will appeal the decision. They are also asking their supporters to demonstrate next Saturday in Moscow. Daily gatherings are also planned to keep the pressure on the authorities.

► See also: Local elections in Russia: nearly 2,000 opponents march in Moscow

► Listen to the sound version of the report 16/07/2019 - by Daniel Vallot Play