Belarus Says Vote Allows President to Run Again

[Judi Lynn]

Belarus Says Vote Allows President to Run Again

By Mara D. Bellaby
Associated Press
Monday, October 18, 2004; Page A13

MINSK, Belarus, Oct. 18 -- Belarusans voted in favor of scrapping presidential term limits, the Central Elections Commission chief said Monday, citing partial results. Ending the limits would allow the country's authoritarian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, to seek a new term in 2006.

Opposition leaders said the vote was rigged in order to allow Lukashenko, often branded as Europe's last dictator, to stay in power. He has led the former Soviet republic since 1994.
(snip)

Controversy arose after a government-endorsed exit poll was released showing the measure passing, while polls were still open. Under Belarusan law, the results of exit polls cannot be announced until after voting ends to avoid influencing voters who have not cast their ballots.

State television broadcast the exit poll results throughout the day, and Ermoshina insisted election law had not been violated.
(snip/...)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A40500-2004Oct17.html
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[acmavm]

1. bush* has got to be soooo jealous that he hasn't got that kind of deal...

yet.

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

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[0007]

3. Clinton would still be president!