Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: OSCE observers did not apply to come to Belarus for elections

MINSK, 25 February (BelTA) – OSCE observers did not make a request to come to Belarus to monitor the ongoing elections, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko told the media after he cast his vote in the parliamentary and local elections on 25 February, BelTA has learned.

“As far as I know, we have not rejected any single request to monitor our elections. Had the OSCE [observers from this organization] wanted to come to us and made such a request, we would have considered it. Most likely, our response would have been positive. But they did not make such a request. Why would we beg them to come? These are our elections,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled that OSCE observers came to previous elections with a pre-written report: “They had prepared a protocol, their findings, in advance. And they lost it. Our guys found it, took a photo and put it on my desk. Listen, they dismissed our elections two days before the main voting day, when early voting was underway. Why invite them here?” And after the elections, the head of state continued, the original version of the protocol was published.

“Well, what’s the point of inviting? That’s why neither the Russians nor we invite them. But had they wanted to monitor our elections and asked for an appropriate mandate, we would have considered it and, I’m sure, we would have greenlighted their request. It's not too late yet. The main thing is vote counting, they say. Let them come before evening. I will let them all into Belarus without visas. If they want, let them come after the elections. Seasoned people will be able to assess the situation properly and compare the election results with the post-election situation on the ground,” added Aleksandr Lukashenko.

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