Belarusian nomenclature steps up fight for Parliament seats

Independent analysts have noted increased competition within the state apparatus for the seats in the Belarusian parliament. For example, management of the Belaya Rus quango has announced plans to nominate their representatives in all 110 districts. However, the president is jealous of Belaya Rus functionaries’ attempts to monopolize the selection or coordination of parliamentarians and usually gives them a certain quota in the legislative body. Apparently, the debate between supporters of market reforms and conservatives in the government had an impact on the internal atmosphere in the state apparatus and deteriorated competition among nomenclature groups. Most likely, the parliament has gained popularity among public officials due to the president’s intention to carry out further ‘optimisation’ of the state apparatus. In addition, the president has stepped up the anti-corruption activity and set unattainable tasks for the economy amid anticipated deeper recession. Meanwhile, high completion among public officials for deputy seats is unlikely to lead to greater pluralism in the parliament after the election campaign. The authorities are likely to put together the “single list” of their candidates when campaigning kicks off.

Image: Benjamin Bachmair