Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 18 February (BelTA) – Local self-government has real influence on the central government in Belarus, BelTA learned from Chairwoman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Belarus Lidia Yermoshina on 18 February.

The Belarusian election organization agency has authorized 46 employees of diplomatic missions in Belarus to observe the election campaign. Most of the observers have been sent by the embassies of Lithuania, Russia, and the USA. Reporters asked Lidia Yermoshina what may have caused such a strong interest. The official said: “Diplomats, who work in Belarus, take an interest in all events going on in the country. They are interested who will comprise the local self-government agencies. Because the agencies have real influence on the central government, too.”

Over 28,000 domestic observers are monitoring the elections. According to Lidia Yermoshina, the Central Election Commission successfully resolves the complaints they file.

Elections to municipal councils of deputies are in progress in Belarus today. As many as 22,289 people stand as candidates, vying for slightly more than 18,000 seats in the local councils of deputies.