BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS
DATE:
27/01/2006
Belarus opposition candidate quits presidential race
ISN SECURITY WATCH (Friday, 27 January: 12.30 CET) - Belarus opposition candidate Sergei Skrebets has pulled out of the race for president, citing concerns that the elections would not be free and fair, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported.
Skrebets was one of seven candidates opposing President Aleksandar Lukashenko in upcoming March elections.
In May last year, authorities charged Skrebets with economic crimes for alleged bribery. He is in jail pending the trial.
Skrebets has denied the charges, saying they are politically motivated and intended to prevent him from campaigning.
Another opposition candidate, former parliamentary deputy Valery Frolov, has also announced his withdrawal, RFE/RL reported.
Source:
http://www.isn.ethz.ch/news/sw/details.cfm?ID=14579
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