CIS Member State Parliamentary elections Parliamentary elections were held in Belarus on 17 October 2004, with a second round of voting in two constituencies on 27 October, and a third round in one on 20 March 2005.

[1][2] The vast majority of successful candidates, 98 of 110, were independents.

[2] The OCSE delegation noted that although all candidates were given a set amount of free television and radio airtime and a free statement in the national press, over 80% of television news time was dedicated to President Alexander Lukashenko in the five weeks before the election.

They also noted concerns about the independence of the Electoral Commission and a lack of transparency during the voting and counting process.

[2] The government also closed down nine independent newspapers in the lead-up to the elections.