CEC Chairman informed on whether international observers will be present on single voting day in Belarus

Belarus never refuses to invite certain international observers – as stated by the Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Igor Karpenko

“It should be understood that the electoral legislation defines several entities that have the right to invite international observers, and these are the President, the Council of Ministers, both chambers of Belarus’ Parliament, the Central Election Commission, and the Foreign Ministry. Any of these entities can invite international observers, and the CEC should then accredit these people in accordance with the current national legislation. Their presence means certain international obligations and experience – enabling us to compare the electoral system functioning in Belarus and in the countries that observers will come from,” Mr. Karpenko explained.

The CEC Chairman added, “It's too early to say what their number will be and who will be represented, but I can assert that the international organisations in which Belarus works, individual countries and some experts will most likely act as observers. We are actively liaising with the World Association of Electoral Authorities; it unites 111 countries, and Belarus was among its co-founders. Therefore, I can say that international observers will be present on the single voting day. We held the Advisory Council of the CIS Electoral Bodies in Tashkent, and I then addressed my colleagues, CEC chairmen who are members of this Council to plan their work in February in such a way, so that they can visit Belarus and participate in the election observation process.”