Belarusian Foreign Ministry discontented by conclusion of OSCE observers
- 30.09.2008, 8:56
The OSCE hasn’t to the full extent appraised significance of moves on improvement of the process of elections organisation made by the Belarusian authorities. This statement has been made by the spokesperson of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry Andrei Papou, answering questions of journalists on September 29 in the Foreign Ministry.
He underlined the importance of the fact that the OSCE observers have recognized a number of positive steps in this direction. Among them are an increased number of opposition representatives in district election commissions, offering candidates two times as much time for televised speeches in prime time, moves of the CEC to provide adequate guarding of ballot boxes during early voting, and offering the oppositional candidates an opportunity to hold meetings with voters in the places allocated for that without hindrance”.
Thus, as said by A. Papou, actions of the Belarusian side “have created a good base for further interrelationship with the aim of improving legislation and practice of elections holding in the country”.
“The Central Commission on Elections and Referenda is to study the conclusion of observers professionally, and after receiving the final version of it as well. Thereupon it will cooperate with international organisations in the future,” A. Papou said.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson has noted that “the election's turnout proved sufficient to recognize the results, and as is clearly indicated in the conclusions of international observers of the OSCE and the CIS, they completely comply with the national laws.” “That’s the most important thing,” A. Papou said.
In particular, as said by him, observers of the CIS and of the “union state” of Russia and Belarus, “with historical and political r fundamentals of the region”, emphasize early and not restricted inviting of foreign observers. “They also note that the political parties who had nominated candidates for deputies, were granted a right to send their representatives to the Central Election Commission wit ha right of consultative vote; wide use of visual advertising in mass media and public places intended for informing voters about the election. Besides, observers have positively evaluated the measures aimed at prevention of citizens’ two-time voting, openness and transparency of the activities of the CEC,” A. Papou said.