Russian actor, ex-priest and controversial media figure Ivan Okhlobystin has said he was going to take part in the presidential elections 2012. 

      On Monday, Okhlobystin said at a press conference in Moscow that he was joining the presidential race. The Russian public and press took the news with great enthusiasm, though many politicians and analysts were extremely skeptical about it. The word “Okhlobystin” soon topped the trends of twitter and bloggers.

      Okhlobystin said he had his own political programme. He is in favour of restoring the army and raising the presidential term to 14 years, as “even a man of not the highest morals would feel full over this period and would think about something else.” The actor is also preparing some special philosophical and ideological concept for Russia, which, according to his words, will help "to save Russia nation's identify".

      As an ex-priest, Okhlobystin was looking forward to get Russian Orthodox Church's approval for his political activity. However, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church PR department, Vsevolod Chaplin, said the official stance of the church is unambiguous – clerics are prohibited from joining political elections whereby they could potentially represent the people. And Okhlobystin remains a priest even though he was removed from service by his own request. The actor's reaction on these words hasn't been reported yet.

      Okhlobystin, known for his trademark round glasses and flamboyant attire, including leather jackets, has starred in 42 movies and television shows since 1983, including "Down House" (2001), a psychedelic take on Dostoevsky's "Idiot," and Pavel Lungin's 2009 "Tsar," a Cannes entry. He also has written screenplays for 21 films and shows.

        According to initial data, the presidential elections in Russia will be held at March 4, 2012. Every country's citizen, who is not younger than 35 years, can put himself or herself forward as a presidential candidate. Such candidate must create an initiative group of 500 people and then gather 2 million signatures.

      We would remind you that President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin continue to keep the media and public in the dark concerning their plans for the 2012 presidential poll. 

Source: Lenta.ru Russia Today The Moscow Times

Related News: Priest Okhlobystin Prohibited to Film (10.02.2010)