News on the topic: Smarhon

27.09.2008 Smarhon: No transparency

Because of the boycott announced by civic activists, only two people continue to observe the election in Smarhon. These are the former contender Iryna Veshtard, who is an observer at a district commission, and human rights defender Alexander Dzerhachou, who observers the process at polling station # 5. During the first two days of early voting the observers registered a very interesting fact. In the end of each day of early voting, one commission member made a phone call and reported about the number of people who had cast their vote during the day. Who did he report to?

22.09.2008 Elections boycotted in Smarhon

When opposition candidates were not registered in Smarhon district # 59, local activists began the campaign for boycotting the election. Let us remind the readers, the district commission refused to register UCP candidate Mikalai Ulasevich and BSDP (H) activist Iryna Veshtard. The election will be uncontested in the district: the only candidate, and, no doubt, the future “people’s representative” will be the incumbent MP, pro-governmental communist Tatsiana Holubeva.

26.08.2008 Smarhon: Early agitation in Smarhon

Incumbent member of the Chamber of Representatives Tatsiana Holubeva, who is running for the next term, has been actively agitating for two weeks already. She visits the enterprises located in her district and carries out “meetings to report of her activities as an MP to the voters”. During the meetings she talks about the new laws passed with her support and explains what she will be able to do for Smarhon if she is elected again. On August 19th and 21st Holubeva appeared on Smarhon local cable TV.

31.07.2008 Smarhon: Attempts to discredit candidate Iryna Veshtard continue

On July 30th false flyers on behalf of Iryna Veshtard’s manager and human rights defender Alexander Dzerhachou appeared in Smarhon. The flyer says: “My colleague in human rights activities Iryna Veshtard needs financial assistance. Iryna Veshtard does not work for 12 years because of lack of good jobs. Her activity in the opposition party lead by Kazulin does not bring her good income. But Iryna needs to organize a campaign to be elected Member of Parliament and defend your rights. I appeal to all citizens who are concerned about the future of our country, asking to donate 10 thousand BYR in support of Iryna Veshtard. Call me on telephone number: (………)”

28.07.2008 Smarhon: Dirty techniques of pressure on UDF candidate

Pressure on pro-democratic candidate Iryna Veshtard does not only stop, but grows stronger. Iryna Veshtard registered her initiative group in Smarhon district commission # 59 on Monday, July 21st. Intimidation began immediately.