Belarus, Iran open new page of international election observation co-operation
At a meeting of Chairman of Belarus’ Central Election Commission (CEC) Igor Karpenko with foreign observers from the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Head of the Belarusian CEC said that Belarus and Iran are opening a new page of co-operation in the field of international election observation
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank your country, your leadership and your Foreign Ministry for sending such a representative delegation to Belarus to observe the Presidential election in Belarus. This is the first time that such a representative Iranian delegation has participated in the observation of the Presidential election in our country. I think this is an important new page in the interaction between our countries, because our relations are really developing in all directions. Now we are opening a new page of co-operation between our countries in the field of international election observation,” Mr. Karpenko emphasised.
“Relations between Iran and Belarus are developing in all spheres. The presence of the Iranian delegation at the election as observers is proof of that,” deputy of Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament), head of the assembly’s working group for co-operation with the National Assembly of Belarus Ali Asghar Bagherzadeh said during the meeting.
“In the name of the merciful and gracious God, we have been observing the Presidential election in the Republic of Belarus for several days now. The main difference in the electoral processes of our countries is that in Belarus there is an early voting procedure, while the election is held on the same day in Iran. We noticed that there was a high level of order and high voter turnout at all polling stations. Such broad participation of people contributes to the development and achievement of their goals,” deputy of Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) Ali Keshvari told Belarusian journalists.
The parliamentarian said that Iran had sent two observer delegations to monitor the Belarusian election: from the Islamic Consultative Assembly and from the Interior Ministry, “The fact that many international and foreign observers were invited confirms that the election was organised transparently. From the point of view of all international principles, everything was clear, straightforward and transparent.”
Responding to the remark that the West does not recognise the results of the Belarusian election, Ali Keshvari said, “Any country, any independent state, in order to achieve its goals and to ensure its independence, must do more than it is told [than what is recommended from the outside]. It is precisely the holding of free election that confirms that the country is pursuing an independent course.”
