MINSK, 3 January (BelTA) – The upcoming presidential election in Belarus should be like a holiday, not an American-style show, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with governors and the Minsk mayor, BelTA has learned.
“The election should proceed like a holiday. We don't need an American-style spectacle when they shoot people in the ear or in the head. We want these election to be held properly, and we don't want to give reasons for unnecessary criticism,” the head of state said. “We have come very close to the presidential election. The active phase - campaigning - began on 1 January. I have already told my authorized representatives that we are having a very difficult time. We must go through this period with dignity, observing the law,” president remarked.
“I have invited you today to talk about the upcoming election. I know that you are experienced people. Governors first of all, the Belarus President Administration know how to hold elections, what to do. But under no circumstances should we break electoral laws. Frankly speaking, we do not need this. We should go through this period with dignity to avoid all sorts of mudslinging from abroad. We should not ruin people's mood inside the country, either” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
The head of state explained why the meeting with the governors was held now. In fact, the president’s busy schedule will not allow holding such a meeting later on. In addition to traditional New Year and Christmas events or the presentation of the Spiritual Revival Award, the head of state will visit China before the election. “I need to attend traditional events and I will have no time to organize and oversee this election campaign. Therefore, I ask you earnestly to organize everything properly,” added Aleksandr Lukashenko.
He noted that the governors are among the key assistants to the CEC, as the CEC staff is very small. “They are responsible for this and should organize everything in line with the law. The Belarus President Administration and the governors have always been the driving force in this process. Therefore, I would like the election campaign to be as well-organized as the New Year events,” the Belarusian leader remarked.
Aleksandr Lukashenko warned against interfering with the work of enterprises. “In fact, January is a very important month for the economy. If we slow down in January, we will not make up for it during the year. Therefore, in no case should we interfere with economic processes. Our candidates should be able to have meetings where they want, and you will help them,” the president said.
“I have invited you today to talk about the upcoming election. I know that you are experienced people. Governors first of all, the Belarus President Administration know how to hold elections, what to do. But under no circumstances should we break electoral laws. Frankly speaking, we do not need this. We should go through this period with dignity to avoid all sorts of mudslinging from abroad. We should not ruin people's mood inside the country, either” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
The head of state explained why the meeting with the governors was held now. In fact, the president’s busy schedule will not allow holding such a meeting later on. In addition to traditional New Year and Christmas events or the presentation of the Spiritual Revival Award, the head of state will visit China before the election. “I need to attend traditional events and I will have no time to organize and oversee this election campaign. Therefore, I ask you earnestly to organize everything properly,” added Aleksandr Lukashenko.
He noted that the governors are among the key assistants to the CEC, as the CEC staff is very small. “They are responsible for this and should organize everything in line with the law. The Belarus President Administration and the governors have always been the driving force in this process. Therefore, I would like the election campaign to be as well-organized as the New Year events,” the Belarusian leader remarked.
Aleksandr Lukashenko warned against interfering with the work of enterprises. “In fact, January is a very important month for the economy. If we slow down in January, we will not make up for it during the year. Therefore, in no case should we interfere with economic processes. Our candidates should be able to have meetings where they want, and you will help them,” the president said.
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