Belarus parliament elections

MINSK, 9 September (BelTA) – Only 485 candidates are now competing for seats in the Belarusian parliament, BelTA learned from the website of the Central Election Commission of Belarus.

As many as 39 candidates have withdrawn their candidacies. One candidate has been forced to withdraw due to unwillingness to follow the law and go on vacation for the election period. Initially 521 candidates were registered. Later on four more candidates were registered after appealing against denied registration.

Belarusian laws allow candidates to withdraw before the election day or even on the main election day. However, no new ballots are printed if a candidate withdraws. Instead the local election commission writes “withdrawn” with ink next to the name of the candidate on the ballot. A notice is pinned on the wall in the polling station and voters are told about the candidate, who has withdrawn, when they get their ballots.

Elections to the lower chamber of the Belarusian parliament are scheduled for 11 September. Voters can opt for voting early through 10 September.