Officials report drop in the number of candidates compared to previous elections

365 people have submitted applications to register as candidates for MP seats. Most likely, not all of them will be registered after the verification of their documents. But it is already clear that there are as twice as less contenders compared to the previous elections when 692 candidates were nominated. Mikalai Lazavik, the secretary of the Central Elections Commission, says competition is very low. Only one candidate will be running in some constituencies.

“In the Brest, Vitsebsk, Homel, Hrodna and Minsk regions, there is preliminary an average of three people per one seat. In the Mahilyou region, there are about 4 competitors, while in Minsk -- not more than 5 people per seat", Lazavik said.

He added that the registration of candidates will be in progress through August 28.