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MINSK, Belarus () -- The Belarus parliament has passed legislation that may keep most political parties off the next nationwide ballot, prompting opposition criticism that the new law is anti-democratic.
Most of Belarus' 26 political parties may find it hard to meet the new requirement that parties convene a founding meeting of at least 500 signed members in order to be registered.
If they fail, says the law passed Wednesday, they cannot register for next spring's parliamentary elections.
"This restriction can't be considered democratic,'' said Sergei Naumchik, a leader of the opposition Popular Front. "This parliament, elected in 1990, is a bulwark of communists.''
Belarus Ballot Change
07 October 1994
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