Opposition Candidate In Belarus Pulls Out Of Presidential Race

(RFE/RL) 26 January 2006 -- Opposition candidate Sergei Skrebets has withdrawn from Belarus' upcoming presidential election, saying a fair vote is impossible.

The Associated Press cites the candidate's campaign chief as the source of the report.

Skrebets was one of several candidates trying to unseat President Alyaksandr Lukashenka in the 19 March vote. The candidates and outside observers say they doubt the vote will be free or fair.

Skrebets has been charged with economic crimes and jailed since May. He says the charges are politically motivated to prevent him from campaigning.

(AP)