IPA CIS International Observers Discussed Role of Election Observers with Representatives of Belarusian Public Movements

The IPA CIS Observers met with officials of Belarusian public organizations. The meeting was attended by the representatives of the Republican Public Association Belaya Rus, the Belarusian Republican Youth Union and the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus.

Representative of the Belarusian Republican Youth Union Ekaterina Petrashkevich spoke about plans to send organization observers to each polling station, as well as about the Big Heart volunteer movement helping people with limited mobility get to the polling stations. Ekaterina Petrashkevich also stated that the Belarusian Republican Youth Union accredited more than 6000 observers.

Representative of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus Nikolai Matiukevich noted that his organization trained over 9000 observers.

Representative of the Republican Public Association Belaya Rus Sergei Pigarev spoke about the work of public receptions organized by one of the presidential candidates. Sergei Pigarev also noted that his organization nominated more than 5000 observers.

The CIS MPs welcomed the preparedness of the Belarusian youth to participate in the political life of the country and electoral process. Coordinator of the Observers Team, Speaker of the Committee of the Federation Council on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Government and Northern Affairs Oleg Melnichenko described the experience of the Belarus public figures as worthy of attention and study.