Mahiliou pro-dem activists sue election commission

13 Mahiliou pro-democratic activist, including election agents of Ryhor Kastusiou, Ales Mikhalevich, Uladzimir Niakliayeu, Yaraslau Ramanchuk, Vital Rymasheuski, Andrei Sannikau and Dzmitry Us, as well as human rights defenders Barys Bukhel and Siarhei Famin, addressed Leninski district court with a demand to oblige Leninski district election commission to increase the number of authorized canvassing locations in the district.

The activists say the current canvassing opportunities are extremely limited. ‘For instance, under a decision by the administration of Leninski district, canvassing leaflets may only be posted in the premises of state-owned enterprises and organizations if authorized by their administrations. However, most of the city’s enterprises are state-run, i.e. controlled by the President. Thus, it would be extremely hard to agree on the issue, says Barys Bukhel.

Apart from that, the human rights activist stresses that the district administration authorized only three canvassing venues, including one in disrepair.

Earlier, similar appeal by Uladzimir Niakliayeu’s campaign activist Aksana Zakreuskaya eventually made Mahiliou Kastrychnitskaya election commission increase the number of authorized canvassing locations.

‘Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections’