Session to discuss improvement of Belarus’ election process

The forthcoming parliamentary elections in Belarus should be held in a democratic and calm atmosphere, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a government session held on 27 April to discuss the improvement of the country’s election process.

“According to the established practice, people will express their will in a democratic and calm atmosphere. The main thing is that we should ensure the highest organizational level as we have always done,” the President said.

According to the head of state, special attention should be paid to the formation of election commissions. They should comprise decent representatives of labor collectives, political parties and public associations. “International observers are expected to come to the country. Their number should not be limited,” the President said. In his words, invitations should be sent out after the date of the elections is announced.

The session also discusses the proposals to improve the election process, including those based on the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and those elaborated by the inter-departmental group of experts that was set up following the President’s instruction. “Some of them can be introduced now. Others will be implemented later, with the relevant adjustments to the Election Code,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The Belarusian leader stressed the need to decide on the recommendations of international observers that deserve primary attention and leave out the proposals that contradict the interests of the Belarusian people. “We must remember that during the election campaign we must be guided, first of all, by our legislation. We must not dance to someone’s tune,” the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko added that the Belarusian election legislation corresponds to the international principles and takes into account Belarus’ electoral rules and traditions. “Our legislation is not worse than that of other states which elections are recognized by international organizations,” said the head of state.

At the session the President agreed that the election to the House of Representatives will be held on 11 September. The election to the Council of the Republic will be held in stages from 18 June to 18 September. The election campaign will officially commence on 7 June.