Belarus parliament elections

GRODNO, 5 July (BelTA) – The parliamentary election campaign in Belarus draws increased attention from western political structures and international organizations, Secretary of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Belarus Nikolai Lozovik said in Grodno on 5 July, BelTA has learned.

“The current election campaign is taking place in special conditions. They are, first of all, related to the close attention from international organizations who seek to establish both economic and political relations with the Republic of Belarus. In response we should show that elections and other political processes in the country are held in a liberal, democratic and open manner. We invite foreign observers, even representatives of the organizations which Belarus is not part of, to participate in the observation of elections,” Nikolai Lozovik said.

Another aspect of the ongoing election campaign is the procedural changes aimed at enhancing transparency of the election process. Amendments were introduced in part of the organization of elections, their financing, and voter information campaigns. “I think that this year’s election campaign will be more informative,” he noted.

The process of creating territorial and district commissions has undergone some changes. “Each nomination was discussed, the rating vote was held. Today it is difficult to criticize the bodies which set up the commissions for lack of transparency and democracy. Everyone, who is entitled by law to nominate candidates to election commissions, could use this right and was invited to attend a session of the regional executive committees and the Presidiums of the regional councils of deputies, and could express his opinion. I hope that the formation of precinct commissions and the nomination of candidates to deputies will be held in the same democratic manner,” Nikolai Lozovik noted.

Grodno hosted a training seminar for chairpersons and members of the territorial and district election commissions. Nikolai Lozovik drew the attention of colleagues to innovations and special aspects of the election campaign, distributed the manuals and practical guides.

Elections to the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus are scheduled for 11 September.