Dmitry Fotyanov was gunned down October 19 outside his campaign office in Dalnegorsk, a small town where he was running for mayor.
Russian television reported on October 21 that election officials initially said the October 22 runoff would be held, but they later canceled it after the remaining candidates withdrew under pressure from locals angered by the killing.
Fotyanov was a member of the pro-Kremlin Unified Russia party. The killing is under investigation.
(AP, Reuters)
Russia's Democratic Development
Demonstrators speak with local politicians in Butovo about the destruction of a local forest in July 2006 (RFE/RL)
IS RUSSIAN DEMOCRACY MANAGING? Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Western powers seek to pressure Russia under the pretext of concern over its democratic development. He has said Russia is ready to listen to "well-intentioned criticism," but will not allow anyone to interfere in its internal affairs. The Kremlin has been criticized for stifling political oppostion, increasing central control over the media, and cracking down on the work on nongovernmental organizations.
RELATED ARTICLES
Concerns Raised About Moscow Chairing Rights Committee
Using Racism Is A Time-Honored Kremlin Tool
Putin Comes Under Fire At Global Media Congress
Oligarch's Case A Sign Of The Times
'Letter Of 100' Warns That Putin Is Suppressing Democracy
A Hard-Line Agenda For Putin's Second Term
Book Says Putin's Russia Falls 'Between Democracy and Dictatorship'
NGOs Denounce Status Changes As Move To Curb Activities
Scrutiny Of Foreign Funds Hurts Democracy Programs
U.S. Official Says Russian NGO Law Part Of Antidemocratic Trend