Elections in Belarus – not much transparency, but plenty of biscuits, vodka and champagne

Ségolène Team Observers — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:02:01 +0200

A billboard denouncing the political censorship of the opposition in Belarus. Posted on Flickr by "Kshysieq's".

Known as Europe's last dictatorship, Lukashenko's Belarus was promised better relations with the West if they could demonstrate fair elections on Sunday. They didn't, and YouTubers say they've got the proof.

In return for freer and fairer elections, the EU and the US promised Belarus economic benefits and an ease on sanctions including lifted travel restrictions for the country's leaders. The test came on Sunday, when parliamentary elections were held in the former Soviet republic. But when the results came in, the incentive seemed to have made very little difference. Not one single opposition member managed to secure a place in parliament, with all 110 seats going to loyalists of current president Alexander Lukashenko, in power since 1994 and considered "Europe's last dictator" by the United States.

Anti-dictatorship protests soon followed in the capital of Minsk, and several videos showing alleged electoral fraud sprung up on YouTube. The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) condemned the election as "undemocratic", which they largely blamed on a lack of transparency. Our Observer says it may also have had something to do with the sumptuous tidbits and vast quantities of alcohol on offer at the polling stations, somewhat detracting from the voting itself.

Start of a revolution in Belarus?

Julien — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:05:29 +0100

Belarus is one of the few remaining countries in the world where markets are entirely owned by the state. Inhabitants are, however, allowed to carry out small trade and sell their products in the street or on the markets, which is a good way of making a bit of money on the side for local people. But a new law recently introduced by the government will prohibit stall owners from employing anybody who is not a close-relative. The so-called Decree 760 therefore makes it impossible to run anything more than a one-man stand. On Monday, Belarusian market-traders stood up to the government and gathered in the streets to protest. They were quickly dispersed by the police. With another protest planned for Feb. 18, is there a revolution brewing in Belarus?