I think that is why he banned Navalny from participating. Navalny might very well build up enough popularity to win even semi-fair Moscow mayoral elections in September this year. That would mean Putin would have to fix the elections in heavy handed way and that would be embarrassing for him. Better just ban Navalny.
There have been reports of ballot-box stuffing.
Some voters have reported being ordered/coerced to vote for Putin.
And in a very Russian twist, voter turnout is being booted with offers of food and polar bears!
Navalny’s take:
Shnur - Candidates are **** WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f5A-NQbUSik