Opinions & Interviews

CEC chair: Electoral process in Belarus is taking place in stable political environment

MINSK, 14 August (BelTA) – The parliamentary elections are taking place in a stable political setting, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Lidia Yermoshina told the media at BelTA’s press center on 14 August.

The CEC chair pointed to the good timing of the parliamentary elections. “I believe the electoral process is taking place in a stable political environment,” Lidia Yermoshina said.

Describing the Belarusian electoral system in general, Lidia Yermoshina noted that candidates’ campaigns are partially subsidized by the state. For example, candidates are entitled to free airtime and space in state-run media, etc.

The CEC chair recalled that there is no party list voting in Belarus. “Therefore it is impossible to cover yourself by a popular brand, everyone should stand out,” she noted.

The head of the Central Election Commission added that she does not see anything that would distinguish the current election campaign from the previous ones. However, there are some new things. Thus, greater use will be made of information technology. “A mobile app will be launched soon. It is designed to determine the location of a polling station and the number of the constituency. This will be of great help for signature collectors,” Lidia Yermoshina noted.

This year the election organizers are working hard to improve accessibility of the elections for people with disabilities. Thus, all TV channels will provide subtitles for candidates’ speeches. Moreover, special places will be allocated at polling stations to make it easier for people with disabilities to cast their votes. “These will be either special, wider voting booths or places with low desks or tables,” Lidia Yermoshina said.

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