The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

News for 16 Mar 2010

16.03.2010 Composition of election commissions didn’t change much in Polatsk

The state press has published information about the precinct election commissions of Polatsk. The composition of the commissions didn’t change much compared to the last two years (since the parliamentary elections 2008).

16.03.2010 Baranavichy procuracy takes position of mailman

Observer Siarhei Housha came to the conclusion that the procuracy evades from implementing its duties.

16.03.2010 Vitsebsk oblast: 12 representatives of opposition parties included in precinct commissions

According to information of the Vitsebsk oblast executive committee, 923 precinct commissions comprising 11,287 persons were formed in the oblast. 375 (3.3%) of them are state officers, 1,430 (12.7%) are younger than 30 and 7,646 (67.7%) are women. There are no citizens of the Russian Federation among members of the commissions.

16.03.2010 Mahiliou: there are no reasons for non-inclusion of democratic representatives in precinct commissions

83 precinct election commissions were established in the Leninski district of Mahiliou. 5 of them were established on the territory of special institutions. 78 were established at usual precincts and consist of 15 persons. The Kastrychnitski district has 69 precinct commissions, 5 of which are on the territory of special institutions. Of the remaining 64 commissions, 21 commissions have 13 members, 8 commissions – 14 members, 32 commissions – 15 persons, 1 commission – 16 persons and 1 commission – 17 persons.

16.03.2010 Brest oblast: opposition representatives are included in precinct commissions at constituencies where opposition candidates won’t run

The formation of precinct election commissions is over. Heads of the regional structures of opposition parties state that there’s a general tendency not to include opposition representatives in the precinct commissions belonging to the constituencies where opposition candidates intend to run.

16.03.2010 Barysau: no possibility to appeal against decision on formation of precinct commissions

The Barysau authorities took unprecedented measures for concealing their decision on the formation of the Barysau district executive committee (DEC) on the formation of precinct election commissions and their composition.

16.03.2010 Svislach: opposition activists are excluded from district election commissions

An unprecedented case in the history of electoral process has been recorded in the district center Svislach in the Hrodna oblast.

16.03.2010 Border guards seize car of Maryna Koktysh, ‘Narodnaya Volia’ journalist

The car Maryna Koktysh bought in Lithuania was seized and sent for expert evaluation. The journalist detained at Kamenny Loh border crossing point at 2:30 p.m. on 12 March. The woman was driving the car from Lithuania. The Belarusian border guards told the journalist the car was on the international wanted list. The journalist told RFE/RL that Lithuania denies this information. Koktysh went on hunger strike protesting against actions of customs officers.