Maladechna: state media pay most attention to Lukashenka’s candidacy

The state-owned newspapers of Maladechna mention Lukashenka near all materials concerning the presidential election, whereas all other potential candidates for President of the Republic of Belarus were mentioned only once, in connection with the registration of their electoral teams.

Maladzechanskaya Hazeta publishes rulings of the Central Election Commission and electoral information of BelTA in the frontpage, side by side with the optimistic articles about the achievements and promises of the head of the state.

For example, the last Saturday issue of Maladzechanskaya Hazeta newspaper (#74 for 29 September 2010) includes three articles, whose main character can be recognized by their titles: ‘The Keys Are in Our Pocket’, ‘Minimal Wage Will Grow’ and ‘Wage Rate Is 118 Thousand Rubles’.
 
The same tendency can be observed at the website of the Maladechna District Executive Committee. Lukashenka’s rivals aren’t mentioned there either, and the Elections section contains only rulings of the Central Election Commission, the executive committee and other working materials.

The private newspaper Rehiyanalnaya Hazeta published only one article about the appointment of the presidential election, and hasn’t touched upon this topic since that.

Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections