In a final act of defiance against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Alexei Navalny, the country's prominent opposition leader, launched his last protest before his untimely death. Despite facing imprisonment and harassment, Navalny rallied his supporters from his prison cell and called for a nationwide demonstration during the upcoming presidential election this weekend.

Navalny, who had spent his last weeks incarcerated in a penal colony in the Arctic Circle with extreme conditions likened to torture, remained resilient and determined to challenge Putin's regime. Despite growing gaunt during his three-year imprisonment, Navalny managed to convey his message to his supporters, advocating for anti-Putin voters to gather at polling stations nationwide at noon.

The election, marred by accusations of lack of freedom and fairness, showcased Putin as the sole candidate, while his critics either faced death, imprisonment, exile, or disqualification from the ballot. However, Navalny's death, which is strongly contested by his supporters and family who believe he was murdered, has revitalized the opposition movement.

Following a poignant funeral where thousands of Russians gathered to pay homage and lay flowers on his grave, Navalny's widow and political successor, Yulia Navalnaya, has taken up his call for protest. She emphasized the importance of honoring her late husband's request to join the event "for Navalny" in a heartfelt video.

Navalny's demise has further exposed the lack of legitimacy of Putin's rule, and despite being imprisoned, his influence remains undeniable. The protest, known as "Noon Against Putin," provides one of the few avenues left for Russians to express their dissent against the President. By simply showing up at polling stations at noon, citizens can express their disapproval and highlight the fraudulent nature of the elections Putin aims to use for his ultimate acclamation after his actions in Ukraine.

As the election commences this weekend, Putin aims not only to secure victory but also to reaffirm his claim that the war in Ukraine enjoys the support of "an absolute majority of Russians." The expected overwhelming win will bolster Putin's confidence and may result in further repression and a potential mobilization for the Ukrainian conflict.

The Kremlin is employing various tactics to ensure the desired outcome, including incentivizing voters with prizes, instructing civil servants and students to vote, and using propaganda videos to intimidate those who refuse. The election process itself raises concerns, with electronic voting introduced in several regions and the election spread over three days. The ballot presents a limited choice, with only three alternative candidates alongside Putin, making it the shortest presidential lineup in recent Russian history.

Despite the potential risks involved, Navalny's call for protest resonates with many anti-Kremlin Russians who see it as a way to peacefully demonstrate dissent. The plan allows citizens to express their disapproval without violating protest laws, although safety is not guaranteed. Authorities have taken preemptive measures, blocking websites promoting the protest and directing state employees to vote on specific days.

While the success of the protest remains uncertain, Navalny's funeral demonstrated the power of collective action and unity among opposition supporters. The opposition figures have proposed different electoral strategies, but they have united in their push for Russians to visit polling stations at noon on Sunday, regardless of their voting intentions.

As the nation awaits the outcome of this controversial presidential election, Navalny's legacy lives on, leaving a lasting impact on Russian politics. Whether or not the streets are filled with dissenting Russians on Sunday, the message is clear: Putin's legitimacy is increasingly called into question, and Navalny's death has only intensified the struggle for freedom in Russia.