Opposition fails in Belarus elections

MINSK, Belarus, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- The opposition had not gained a single seat in parliamentary voting in Belarus, with all but one of 110 races decided, election officials said Monday.

With 74 percent turnout reported across the country in the voting Sunday, officials proclaimed the results legitimate and largely free of fraud -- a report that some minority party candidates refuted, charging irregularities they say should cast doubt on the outcome, RIA Novosti reported.

"There were no serious violations in the voting," said Valery Shnyakin, the chief election observer from Russia's Federation Council. "There are no complaints that could be serious enough to affect the outcome of the vote."