HL Deb 09 December 1993 vol 550 cc79-80WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their view of President Yeltsin's wish that during the current election campaign in Russia, the "registered parties" should not discuss his draft constitution, which is being put to a popular referendum at the same time as the parliamentary elections are to take place; and

What is their view of President Yeltsin's wish that during the current election campaign in Russia, "registered parties" that criticise his draft constitution, which is being put to a popular referendum at the same time as the "parliamentary" elections are to take place, should be deprived of radio and television air-time; and

What is their view of President Yeltsin's government's suggestion that parties which criticise his draft constitution during the current election campaign should be prohibited from standing in the elections.

Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

The decree on the constitutional referendum provides for free campaigning for and against the draft text. Both the Russian press and television have carried the views of supporters and opponents. President Yeltsin however recently asked the leaders of the 13 parties taking part in the December elections to refrain from discussing the draft constitution during the free airtime they have been given on Central State television, to enable the parties to set their programmes before the electors. None of the 13 parties whose registration was accepted by the Central Election Commission has been prevented from standing in the elections.