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The lantern-jawed Alexander Lebed is Russia's answer to Colin Powell, both respected former soldiers known for their integrity and staunch patriotism. Both coyly flirted with the issue of their candidacy at first, but unlike the American general, Lebed dove into politics. As commander of the 14th Army, Lebed brought peace to the breakaway Transdniester region and raised eyebrows with his denunciations of the war in Chechnya while still in uniform. Lebed garners some support from the military, but isn't considered one of the main contenders. What Lebed and the other "third force" candidates -- Grigori Yavlinsky and former eye-surgeon Svyatoslav Fyodorov -- may do is take votes away from the two bigger players, Boris Yeltsin and Communist Gennady Zyuganov. Although Lebed is fiercely independent, and part of no formal election pact, he could still play a key role in the election. If Yeltsin could swing Lebed's support, the combination could be likened to a Dole-Powell ticket in the U.S. elections. It is also about as improbable. Lebed has reportedly been offered a post as Defense Minister, but the old soldier is not ready to strike camp just yet. --Terence Nelan |
ElectionProfiles |
Communism'sNew Face
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