MINSK, 31 July (BelTA) - The CIS is completing forming an observation mission to monitor the presidential election of Belarus. As of 31 July 149 observers have applied to the CEC for accreditation, BelTA learned from the office of the CIS observation mission.
CIS long-term observers traveled to the regions on 28 July. Since then, the mission representatives visited the Minsk city election commission, all regional and some district and precinct election commissions. “The observers got familiar with the work to update the voter lists and examined the readiness of polling stations. Experts note that all commissions have been provided with information and methodical materials, legislative acts, instructions. Polling stations have been stocked with necessary protection means: antiseptics, masks, and gloves,” the mission said.
The long-term observers are also monitoring the campaigning events getting familiar with the pre-election programs and speeches of candidates in the media, the availability of their campaign printed materials in specially designated places.
The office also maintains cooperation with government bodies that are authorized to deal with complaints related to violations of the electoral process. In particular, meetings have been held with senior officials of the Supreme Court and the Interior Affairs Ministry. A meeting has been planned with the Prospector's General. The CIS observers also met with some candidates or representatives of their campaigns.
The CIS observation mission and its office began their work in Belarus to monitor the presidential election on 24 July. The mission is headed by Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee – CIS Executive Secretary Sergei Lebedev. The monitoring of the elections is carried out on the principles of political neutrality, non-interference in the electoral process and in the internal affairs of the state, the office stressed.
As of 31 July, 155 international observers, including 133 from the CIS and 22 representatives of the diplomatic corps, were accredited to monitor the presidential election in Belarus, the CEC informed.
