Opposition voice goes unheard in Sunday's vote in Belarus

Met dank overgenomen van J.A. (Jeanine) Hennis-Plasschaert i, gepubliceerd op maandag 29 september 2008, 13:04.

in Nieuws

The news that Sunday's vote in Belarus resulted in no opposition candidate winning a seat after 90% of the votes had been counted was met with consternation by the European Liberals (ALDE).

President Lukashenko's symbolic release of political prisoners ahead of the weekend's elections is considered to be a cynical gesture to give the appearance of a fair election.

"We must remember that the opposition has not been represented in over 99 % of electoral districts. No real election campaign was held and opposition parties were effectively banned from representing their positions."

"As such, the elections could not be regarded as democratic and the EU should put pressure on Lukashenko to ensure the free and democratic functioning of opposition parties, media and NGO's in Belarus."

 
alttekst ontbreekt in origineel bericht
Bron: Blog Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert