DW: Belarus holds parliamentary polls as Lukashenko balances Russia and the West
Belarusian elections are being watched to see how much leeway authoritarian President Lukashenko gives to opposition candidates. Belarus has sought to balance close ties with Russia and a nascent opening to the West.
Belarusians head to the polls Sunday to elect members to the ex-Soviet republic's rubber-stamp parliament.
The elections are being closely watched by the West to see how much President Alexander Lukashenko will loosen his iron-fisted grip on power.
Often dubbed "Europe's last dictatorship," the nation of 10 million has been ruled by Lukashenko for 25 years.
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Update: Belarus holds parliamentary election as strongman leader keeps grip (Reuters)
WNU Editor: The opposition and observers are claiming massive election irregularities in today's vote .... Opposition reports Belarus polls infractions as strongman woos West (AFP). Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has also declared his intention to seek another Presidential term in 2020 (see above video).
