Pro-state candidates use public media for canvassing

Numerous pro-government candidates running for the local councils of Mahiliou region, as well as those of the town of Polatsk, Vitsebsk region, have made extensive use of the state-owned mass media for their canvassing activities, independent observers report.

The state-run newspapers advertising loyal candidates include ‘Mahiliouskiya vedamastsi’ (#39 of 10 April features an article about Babruisk meat-packing plant, whose head is running for the Mahiliou Regional Council) and ‘Vesnik Mahiliova’ (#9 of 5 February tells about Uladzimir Kaunou, head of Mahiliou plant of ventilation workpieces, who is running for the Mahiliou City Council; #21 of 17 March advertises Henadz Dzenhaliou, head of Mahiliou Capital Construction Department, running for the Mahiliou Regional Council).