News & Events in Belarus

MINSK, 6 September (BelTA) – Voting in the elections should be sincere, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Belarus Lidia Yermoshina on 6 September, BelTA has learned.

“Early voting has begun in Belarus. I would like you and those responsible for the organization of the elections to make sure that the process is not artificial, that people are encouraged to come to the polls, that the elections run smoothly, that the voting day is like a celebration, and that we understand that we are doing this for our country and nation,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

The President noted that he would like as many people as possible to come to the polls. “Election is an indicator of the relation between the authorities and people, an indicator of the people’s evaluation of the parliamentary elections, the role of MPs and the parliament in the affairs of our society and the state. However, I reiterate that people should not be forced to vote. We should ask them to take part in the elections,” the head of state remarked.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, some people say that the West will criticize the elections if there is a big turnout in early voters. “I think we should not be afraid of this. Serious mass media outlets have analyzed the elections in other countries and found out that no one has such concerns there. With excellent weather this week, people will spend the weekend in the countryside or camping, will do what they like and choose the most convenient time for going to the polls,” the President stressed.

According to the head of state, because of his job it would be more convenient for him to take part in the early voting. But he finally decided to vote on Sunday, as usual. “It does not matter if people vote early or not. The main thing is to come to the poll. We are doing this for our people,” the Belarusian leader said.

“We will have a new parliament. We will live and work calmly. The main thing is that this political campaign should not disturb peace and accord in our country. Therefore, I encourage people to come to the polls and vote in the way they think necessary,” the head of state stressed.

Lidia Yermoshina noted that many mass media will cover the participation of the President in the elections. Alexander Lukashenko said: “Everyone wants to know where my youngest son is. I also read many wild guesses about it. I will definitely come to the polls with my youngest son, as usual. My elder children will cast their votes too.”