For Russia today, there is no topic more important than the Moscow elections. I am astonished by people who do not understand that. I want to address those who do not intend to vote, believing that these elections are a farce and nothing can be changed anyway, or that Navalny is not good enough, or that he is simply bad. About the “farce” later. First, about Navalny. I am not certain that he is fit to lead the democratic opposition. During the campaign he said many things that raise questions. I will certainly ask him those questions, and publicly. But after the election. If he is not sent to prison. For now, though, let’s talk about you and me, not about “Mayor Navalny.” “Come now, we’re not children” — we know perfectly well that they will never allow him to become mayor. And that is not what voting on September 8 is really about. What happens that day will directly determine: - whether the repressions continue, or whether a gradual transition to political competition begins; - whether the “May 6 case” (the prosecution of protesters over the 2012 Bolotnaya Square rally) ends in prison terms; whether there will be a third Yukos trial; whether the girls will be released; whether there will be new arrests and imprisonments; - whether Russia will undergo a revolution, or whether we will somehow manage without one; - whether many of us will be able to stay and live at home, or whether we will have to leave; - whether it will become easier to breathe, or whether the stench will grow even thicker. That is what I personally am going to vote for, not for “Mayor Navalny.” And I see no “farce” in such a vote. On September 8, an exam awaits us, one that we will either fail or pass — and we may receive different grades. My idea of the grade these elections should receive is this: - If the democratic opposition gets fewer than half a million votes, that means “sit down, F.” For many, “sit down” will mean exactly that in the literal sense, because such a result will give the regime carte blanche for further repression.
The whole country is watching Moscow, for heaven’s sake. Only 300,000 people voted for Navalny… - From half a million to one million is a “C.” With a result like that, things could go either way. - From one million to one and a half million is a “B.” That would mean the regime would have to abandon the idea of a police state and pursue a more flexible policy from then on. A seven-figure number of capital residents voting for the most anti-regime candidate is a force that cannot be ignored. - Finally, if he gets more than one and a half million votes — or even fewer, but enough to force a runoff — that is already an “A.” I think that in that case change in the country will begin quickly. And if it does not begin, then here we are, right next to the Kremlin: there are very, very many of us, and we are not going anywhere.
One and a half million. That’ll show the old man. And one more thing, dear people who are not planning to vote: I hope you fully understand that on September 8, the fate not only of the capital but of the whole country will turn one way or the other. So please, give it some thought. And now a separate appeal to those who are already voting for Navalny. Ladies and gentlemen, that is not enough. Let’s organize an action that will help us earn a better “grade.” It is very simple. We just need all of us to take part. The working title of the action is GIVE ME FIVE!
Five days remain. If on each of those days you speak to one relative or acquaintance who is not planning to vote, and persuade him or her, there will be five times as many of us. And then everything here will change. Even if you do not live in Moscow, you surely know some Muscovites. Write to them, call them. Explain how important this is. One conversation a day — that’s all it takes. Boris Akunin. And officially as well: On September 6, a rally-concert will take place on Academician Sakharov Avenue Performing: Motorama, Zakhar May, Vasya Oblomov, Vladi, Neschastny Sluchai, Lyapis Trubetskoy, and other vocal-instrumental groups. All the musicians are performing entirely free of charge, for which we are deeply grateful to them and very proud. Host: Leonid Parfyonov Start: 17:30 So do not make any other plans for that time. Bring everyone you can: family, friends, acquaintances — and come. We will have a good time, listen to good music, and say some important things to one another.