Belarus parliament elections

MINSK, 8 September (BelTA) – The parliamentary elections in Belarus will cost nearly $10 million, Chairwoman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Lidia Yermoshina said in her video address posted on the website vybory2016.by, BelTA has learned.

According to Lidia Yermoshina, more than 50% of eligible votes are needed to be cast in order to consider the elections to the House of Representatives valid. “That is why the turnout is so important,” she added. The CEC head called upon the Belarusian citizens to take it seriously as elections are an important national event. “And the price of the campaign, about $10 million, is not even the main point here. The election of the parliament, a successful completion of this important political campaign, is, first of all, the basis for political stability in our state. It is a full-fledged political legitimate body that will cooperate with the parliaments of other states, represent the country and protect our interests on the international arena,” she stressed.

“If you are not happy with the candidates that are running for the parliamentary seats in your constituency, then there is a “none of the above” option. Although, I believe that the choice is varied,” Lidia Yermoshina said.

In her words, SMS messages will be distributed by national mobile operators to invite Belarusian voters to the polls. “This is not a violation of the legislation. It is a move to inform the voters about the forthcoming event,” she said.

Lidia Yermoshina added that text messages are also likely to be received by foreigners, for example, foreign observers, and even by under-aged. This matter, however, concerns only Belarusian citizens eligible to vote. “I call upon all of the Belarusian voters to come and cast their votes for the candidate whose program they would like to support,” she said.

The CEC head also stressed that there is no “pre-election silence day” in the country. This means that the election campaigning can be conducted through Saturday inclusively. “The only thing which is banned in the country is campaigning to boycott the elections. Violators can be fined,” she stressed.

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