Belarus opposition shut out of parliament in election

[Gerald]

Belarus has elected a parliament filled with supporters of President Alexander Lukashenko, after a boycott by the two main opposition parties.

Election officials said the minimum turnout of 50% was reached in all 110 constituencies. In 16 there was only one candidate, because of the boycott.

Opponents of Mr Lukashenko said the polls were not free or fair.

He has ruled the ex-Soviet republic since 1994, stifling dissent. He called the opposition "cowards".

The vote came two years after Mr Lukashenko won a landslide presidential election, which was denounced by Western observers. He has been described as Europe's last dictator.

Eleven political prisoners are currently in jail and Amnesty International says authorities also detained other opposition activists ahead of the election.

The two strongest opposition parties - United Civic and the BPF - pulled out of the race about a week ago.

Mr Lukashenko and senior aides have been banned from travelling to the EU since the violent suppression of opposition parties in 2010.

Western observers will deliver their verdict on the elections shortly.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19690249


Note: 24 September 2012 Last updated at 09:11 GMT