The issue of Mahiliou-based “Vesnik Mahiliova” state-owned newspaper of 15 August features an article “The Secrets of Success Are Easy”, promoting Mrs. Liudmila Starastsina, head of local school running for Parliament in constituency No. 86.

Meanwhile, Mahiliou human rights defenders say the publication is an example of early election campaigning prohibited by the Electoral Code.

“The article should be considered as latent campaigning. The authorities are using administrative resources both in collecting signatures for pro-government nominees and in promoting them through local mass media,” says human rights defender Barys Bukhel.

“Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections”