Astravets court refuses to restore registration of only independent candidate

Elections in Astravets district will be absolutely uncompetitive, after the District Court dismissed the complaint by local civil society activist Mikalai Ulasevich, the last pro-democratic candidate running in the region.

Mikalai Ulasevich challenged liquidation of his registration as a candidate for the Varniany Village Council. The Election Commission disqualified him during his campaign for alleged violation of its rules. As a result, Judge Aliaksandr Dziameshchyk predictably took the side of representatives of the election commission.

After the court decision was announced, Mikalai Ulasevich congratulated the Judge and Chairman of the District Election Committee on "the successful completion of the elections".

"Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections"