On 17 September, Ryhor Kastusiou, deputy chairman of the Belarusian Popular Front running for Parliament in Shklou constituency No. 90, received replies to his complaints submitted to the central Election Commissions and the constituency election commission.

The complaints dealt with the illegal use of administrative resources by pro-government candidate, deputy chairman of the State Control Committee Aliaksandr Aheyeu.

“What I received is just roundabout replies, as they suggest that the candidate holding a post in the government can do anything and his or her abuses won’t be seen by election commissions. Pro-democratic candidates are being punished for every minor fault, while the constituency election commission and the CEC can’t see any ‘violations of the Electoral Code in Mr. Aheyeu’s actions.’ As yet, he keeps abusing the administrative resources, arranging more and more meetings with employees of state-owned enterprises during working hours. However, I do not wish to play these games anymore,” says Ryhor Kastusiou, who officially withdrew from the election campaign by submitting a statement on 17 September.

 “Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections”