MINSK, 1 February (BelTA) - The CIS observation mission deployed to monitor the referendum in Belarus will announce its findings on 28 February, First Deputy Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee - Executive Secretary, head of the office of the CIS observation mission Leonid Anfimov told reporters following a meeting with Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Belarus Igor Karpenko in Minsk on 1 February, BelTA has learned.
"When monitoring the voting process all observers will strictly adhere to the legislation of the Republic of Belarus and follow the principles of political neutrality. The only task of the mission is to help ensure the successful and democratic conduct of the national referendum," Leonid Anfimov said.
The CIS mission is expected to include 100-120 observers. The core group of CIS observers will arrive in Belarus two to three days before the referendum and will monitor the voting process in all regions of the country. Members of the mission will be present at the opening of the polling sites, observe the voting process and vote counting.
According to Leonid Anfimov, the mission will present the final report on 28 February. "We assume that the final press conference will be held on 28 February," Leonid Anfimov said.
On 20 January Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko signed Decree No.14 “On calling the nationwide referendum”. The main voting day is 27 February. Belarusians also have the opportunity to cast their votes during the period from 22 to 26 February.
