IPA CIS observers visited several precinct electoral commissions in the Republic of Belarus

On 18 August 2016, IPA CIS international observers continued visiting different regions of the Republic of Belarus. This trip is a part of the long-term monitoring of the election to the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. The observers visited Borisov, Borisov Region and Minsk Oblast.

During the meeting with Vladimir Miranovich, the Chairperson of the Executive Committee in Borisov Region, the observers were informed about the procedures for the public authorities stipulated in the national legislation and aimed at smooth operation of electoral bodies.

Borisov Region is the largest in Minsk Oblast (some of its rural communities are 80 km away) and the isolated location may cause difficulties for running the election.

During their visit to precinct electoral commission # 62, the observers were mainly interested in trainings for chairpersons, deputy chairpersons and secretaries of the electoral commission. The training was arranged by Chairperson of the Central Electoral Commission on Elections and Referendums Lidiya Ermoshina in the teleconference format.

The observers visited several ballot stations both in the town and in the rural communities. Manufacturing plants, kindergartens, schools and clubs are going to serve as ballot stations during the election. The commission members are noted to be ready and competent for the upcoming election.

The observers also visited the town of Orsha (Vitebsk Oblast) where they met members of precinct commissions #25 and #26. One of the issues touched upon was the issue of cooperation with international observers, because Vitebsk Oblast is one of the regions where ODIHR observers work.

On 19 August, the Observer Team will continue its work in Vitebsk Oblast.