Belarus elects parliament loyal to president after opposition boycott

Belarus has elected a parliament filled with supporters of President Alexander Lukashenko, after a boycott by the two main opposition parties.

Election officials said the minimum turnout of 50% was reached in all 110 constituencies, although in 16 there was only one candidate, because of the boycott.

Western observers said the election was "not competitive from the start".

Mr Lukashenko has ruled the ex-Soviet republic since 1994, stifling dissent. He called the opposition "cowards".

David Stern reports.