News for 3 Feb 2010
03.02.2010 Slauharad town authorities get tough on ideological maintenance of elections
Slauharad town executive committee is going to intensify the ideological control over the local elections campaign, states a special plan released by the authorities. The precautions will include arranging meetings at state-owned enterprises and educational institutions
03.02.2010 Chairperson of Central Election Commission distorts norms of electoral legislation
According to information of state media, by 14 February the local authorities must determine the places for holding pickets on collecting signatures in support of candidates. Lidziya Yarmoshyna, Chairperson of the Central Commission on elections and holding of republican referenda, voiced this information on 1 February at press-conference in Minsk. However, human rights defenders state that such demand contradicts to Article 61 of the Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus, where it is stated that ‘…collection of electors’ signatures can be conducted in the form of picketing. No permission is needed for it unless the picketing is held in places that are banned for picketing by the local executive and regulatory authorities.’
