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Kindergarten Political Rally Rouses Ire of Russia’s Elections Watchdog

Russian elections watchdog Golos is to file a complaint against politicians who sent costumed cartoon characters into a kindergarten to campaign for them.

Nikolai Dyomkin and Mikhail Cherepanov from the ruling United Russia party sent the entertainers into Perm's Kindergarten No. 269 on Thursday, the Meduza news website reported.

The costumed cartoon characters, including Peppa Pig and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, put on a full program of activities and games for the future electorate, including making giant soap bubbles.

They also ensured that the children knew who to thank for their day of fun, calling Dyomkin and Cherepanov “wizards.”

“Who is clapping for Nikolai Dyomkin?” asked the entertainers in one video taken by parents, “Let's clap louder!”

Both Dyomkin and Cherepanov are standing in the United Russia primaries on May 22.

Nikolai Dyomkin has served as secretary for the Perm branch of United Russia since 2012, while Mikhail Cherepanov is currently a United Russia deputy in the Perm city government.

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