Belarus’ CEC Chief: election observation will be ensured

As informed by the Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Belarus, Igor Karpenko, more than 4,200 national observers have already been accredited to the territorial district commissions, and another 5,411 precinct commissions are being formed, in which national observers will also be accredited. A lot of international observers are also likely to come.

So far, the CEC has accredited 58 international observers for the 2024 elections, and Mr. Karpenko commented, “The CIS mission has officially launched the opening of the mission headquarters headed by the CIS First Deputy Secretary General, Leonid Anfimov. In addition to the CIS mission, we have also invited the SCO, the CSTO Interparliamentary Assembly, and representatives of the Union State. Moreover, the process of inviting individual experts from various countries, including the EU, is underway. In accordance with the legislation, we will accredit everyone and issue appropriate certificates. These people will be able to familiarise themselves with all materials within the framework of the election campaign, meet with whom they deem necessary, visit polling stations, territorial and district election commissions, and also participate in all events of the election campaign as observers.”

Speaking about the preliminary figures regarding the number of observers, Mr. Karpenko noted, “We are preparing about 300 packages for accreditation. The fact is that international observers should fill out the appropriate questionnaires and send the appropriate application letters. I think this process will continue until Single Voting Day, but somewhere by the beginning of early voting, we will have complete information on the number of accredited international observers.”

The CEC Chief added that the process of forming precinct election commissions is currently underway, “At the time of their formation, more than 4,200 national observers were accredited in the territorial district commissions. When another 5,411 precinct commissions are formed, our national observers will also be accredited there. In short, the institute of election observation will function.”