Hundreds line up at Russia’s embassy in Brussels to vote against Putin

The “Midday In opposition to Putin” initiative, supported by just about all Russian opposition teams in addition to the late Alexei Navalny, inspired voters to go to polling stations, whether or not in Russia or overseas, at midday on Sunday and vote for any of the non-Putin candidates or spoil the poll.

It contributed to a backup on the embassy in Brussels.

“Prepare to attend at the very least 40 minutes extra. We didn’t count on that quantity of individuals,” an embassy worker advised POLITICO after individuals had already spent half-hour within the queue.

Folks have been brazenly joyful and impressed to return along with so many others who shared their dissenting views. Lots of them have been taking selfies, exhibiting themselves within the 200-meter line.

“I’ve no ‘my candidates’ on the record,” mentioned Kirill, who described himself as a Russian poet-in-exile. “Nonetheless, it is rather necessary to get right here to determine connections [with other opposition-minded Russians],” he mentioned.

“I can see individuals sending images of spoiled ballots with completely different mottos on them. That is essential,” mentioned Kirill, who got here to vote along with his accomplice, baby and their canine. “We’re all in a state of affairs the place we’ve got to redefine some agendas. And I believe that’s what this election is for,” he mentioned.