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MEDIA MONITORING IN BELARUS: “BELARUSIAN MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE 2007 LOCAL ELECTIONS”

POST ELECTIONS' COVERAGE

Introduction

Summary of findings

Main findings

Media effects

Post elections' coverage

Conclusions

Appendix 2

Appendix 3

Appendix 4

The State-owned media highly evaluated the local elections and their results. Traditionally, these media presented the Election Day to be conducted in a solemn atmosphere. The Brest regional newspaper Zaria (16.01. 07), for example, wrote that “colorfully decorated polling stations and a rich assortment of goods” at the buffet added to the festive mood of voters. In addition, the newspapers' headings also demonstrated such mood: “Absolutely Unforgettable Day”, “Festive Mood was supported by music”, “Under the high activity” etc.

Both journalists and official representatives recognized the elections as democratic and extremely successful. It was specially underlined that observers did not observe any serious violations of the election law.

In contrast to the overall overwhelmingly positive evaluation of the elections by the Belarusian media, BT1 showed a news item entitled “Germany surprised the Belarusians” (Panorama, 16 January 2007). A presenter explained the situation: “Today Germany… surprised the Belarusians by having criticized the local elections held on January 14 th . It is not difficult to guess what the grounds for such kind of conclusions were”. It was the opposition to provide that kind of information. In addition, presenter noted : “Germany did not have any other informers at the elections”.

However, the conduct of elections was criticized in several articles published in a number of independent media. These articles highlighted numerous law violations and undemocratic character of the elections.

Media effects

Post elections' coverage

Conclusions

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