Electoral changes not enough, Milinkevich

"No doubt changes are necessary. But I would not overestimate the changes because we do not have an independent judiciary," he told ERB. "If there are no mechanisms, no separation of powers and no mechanism to defend one's rights, the electoral changes are a drop that does not make Belarus a democracy. This is just a small step."

Milinkevich stresses that access to the media and opportunities to meet people are essential for conducting free and fair elections. He adds that these conditions are missing in the country.

On October 20, Belarusian officials said that the government plans to introduce changes into Belarus' Electoral Code in line with recommendations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The authorities plan to make it easier for candidates to campaign and collect signatures and allow contenders to finance campaigns out of their own pockets.