Vasil Khvatsik, head of Drahichyn housing department, has reportedly abused a concert marking the town’s birthday on 15 July to campaign for Yury Darahakupets, head of Ivanava housing department, who is expected to run for Parliament, as his initiative group has already been registered.

While speaking on the stage, the official reportedly called Mr. Darahakupets a “very good manager and an excellent person”, urging those present to vote for him.

Valiantsin Lazarenkau, Brest representative of the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, says the incident will be appealed at the election commission of constituency No. 10 and the Central Election Commission, as it constitutes violation of the electoral legislation, namely early campaigning.