Moscow, 12 March: Political analyst Dmitriy Oreshkin has said that co-chairman of the Solidarity opposition movement Boris Nemtsov, who has nominated himself for the post of Sochi city mayor, stands a good chance of winning if equal conditions are ensured for candidates.

"First of all, I think well done for Nemtsov because thanks to his decision the elections are beginning to make sense and are becoming politically significant and engaging. He was not afraid of the authorities which are preaching the principle that 'everyone should stay quiet where they are and should be afraid'. It is more like the authorities are afraid of him," Oreshkin told Interfax today.

"Nemtsov's decision is causing serious problems for the authorities," he said. "To allow him to take part in the elections means giving him a platform for expressing himself and Nemtsov has things to say and he is capable of doing this in a way which will be remembered. If he is not allowed to participate in the elections, the voters will see once again that no alternative candidate is possible in an election," Oreshkin added.

"The very fact of Nemtsov's participation in the elections shows that the opposition has resources and he will be able to make the best possible use of his rights," Oreshkin said.

"I think that he stands a rather good chance provided equal conditions. However, the chances are that the authorities will try to limit opportunities for him as much as possible. On the other hand, I do not think there are people who can say they have not heard of Nemtsov. Therefore, he should convert the fact that he is known into positive reactions," the analyst said. (passage omitted: Nemtsov confirmed his decision to run for the post of Sochi mayor. The elections are due on 26 April).