after authorities complained that the videos would violate an election silence law before Sunday’s vote for regional governors, an aide to Navalny said on Saturday.
Exactly. Winning candidates (like Putin) often don't take part in debates, don't make campaigns, don't meet with voters. But they are promoted by government-controlled TV and internet media. Competing candidates don't do anything at all and don't get promoted by TV. And finally, some candidates are not allowed to take part. It looks more like a scripted play where everyone knows who is going to win.
