BELARUS….

Elections should present no worries for Alyaksandr Lukashenka, whose original term expires in March (the term was extended in a rigged referendum two years ago). In a decree issued January 27, Lukashenka required political parties, nongovernmental organizations, trade unions and all independent associations to re-register. Groups must have at least 1,000 members and supply full personal data on each member. As of July 1, unregistered groups will be considered disbanded and prohibited from conducting their activities.