Elections in Belarus: Boston Globe vs. Liberty Scott Blog

The Boston Globe's article US Keeps A Close Eye On Elections in Belarus describes the United States (and other International organizations) monitoring of the Presidential elections in Belarus.

The Boston Globe article details the broken relationship between the United States and Belarus, citing the pulling out of both Ambassadors from each country.    As one might expect, The Boston Globe addresses the situation in light of the recent conflict between Georgia and Russia and examines how this may affect Belarus as they attempt to democratize: "Alarmed at the vengeance with which Russia punished Georgia, The United States and the European Union have offered to repair ties with Belarus if Lukashenko makes good on his promises to ease political repression."

The article also explains that political prisoners have been released in Belarus and acknowledges that US officials are trying to understand what motivated the Belorussian government.  In addition to the article, there is a picture of some of the parliamentary candidates burning what appears to be a voter card, in protest of Lukashenko's barring of opposition candidates.

In "Liberty Scott," a blog from New Zealand, the article Belarus Has a Parliamentary Election describes the upcoming election with a decidedly more critical eye toward Belarus' internal repression. 

In the first sentence, the blog refers to Belarus as "Europe's last dictatorship" and provides snide remarks such as "I doubt he will be kidding anyone" in reference to Belarus claiming that it will hold a Western-style election. The blog concludes that "the chances of change in Belarus is next to zero."  

Additionally, the blog takes aim at the "state-run media" and declares that Belarus should not be rewarded for "democracy" (presumably using quotation marks sarcastically.)

Finally, the blog cites The Sunday Telegraph's article, which covers Belorussian (and more specifically Lukashenko's) oppression.  Unlike the Boston Globe article, there is no image accompanying the story.

 

Both articles indicate that Belarus is a strict and oppressive state but, as detailed above, the language they employ is significantly different.  The blog criticizes the government with ease, while The Boston Globe remains respectful even while describing heinous practices.

Sources:

libertyscott.blogspot.com

boston.com/bostonglobe