Nyaklyeu: Real presidential elections cost around $10 mln
Central Elections Commission plans to increase presidential candidate's fund from 3000 to 9000 base rates which translates into roughly $100,000.
As of today, 9000 base rates translate into Br900 million (slightly over $100,000 - Euroradio). During the 2010 presidential election campaign, a candidate was allowed to accumulate Br105 million or around $35,000.
Back then, Speak the Truth! civil campaign leader Uladzimir Nyklyaeu managed to raise Br105 million. Now he is not so sure he can raise almost one billion Belarus roubles.
Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu: "Actually, it is very hard indeed, especially when fund-raising is subject to numerous conditions."
Nevertheless, the politician is confident a presidential candidate needs much more money for a proper full-scale campaign. He picks the recent elections in Bulgaria as an example where the opposition contender spent $10 million on his campaign.
