The empty ritual: parliamentary elections in Belarus

Abstract:

On 11 September parliamentary elections took place in Belarus. According to the official results, 108 of the 110 mandates were won by candidates supported by the authorities, and two mandates went to representatives of independent groups, including a member of one of the opposition parties. For the first time in 20 years, one deputy in the Chamber of Representatives (the lower house of parliament) will be a representative of the country’s democratic forces.

In accordance with the evaluation of independent Belarusian observers, there were a number of violations of the electoral law and the principles of democracy, both during the formation of the electoral commissions, as well as during the voting process, including in particular a drastic overstatement of the turnout. The Belarusian authorities retained full control over the elections, and the results cannot be a true expression of the will of the citizens.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: A window of opportunity: which way in the EU-Belarus relations? http://www.europeansources.info/record/a-window-of-opportunity-which-way-in-the-eu-belarus-relations/

ESO: Background information: "Undemocratic" elections in Belarus http://www.europeansources.info/record/undemocratic-elections-in-belarus/

ESO: Background information: With eye on West, Belarus holds slightly freer election http://www.europeansources.info/record/with-eye-on-west-belarus-holds-slightly-freer-election/

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