MINSK, 27 January (BelTA) – Everyone who wanted to monitor Belarus' election had the opportunity to do so, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Nurlan Yermekbayev who led the SCO observation mission at Belarus' presidential election, BelTA has learned.
“You have probably paid attention that we did not close ourselves off, but sent invitations to everyone who wanted to come. Those were journalists, politicians, and members of parliament from other countries. Many took advantage of this opportunity, except for the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. We invited them, they had ten or so days to come and monitor this election. They chose not to come. Well, they did not come, but others came, those who really wanted to. So why blame us for this,” the president noted.
The head of state recalled that the European Union had drafted its resolution on non-recognition of the election long before the election was held. “Even before early voting started, they had already decided to reject the election as undemocratic. How can one assess something that has not even started? It was an embarrassing faux pas on their part. We are unconcerned about it,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
“We know that you are objective people, you understand things and can evaluate the electoral laws and the process itself no worse than they can do. Therefore, your findings, and those of the CIS and deputies of other countries will be enough for us,” the president added.
A large number of independent international observers from various parts of the world also came to monitor the election in Belarus. Journalists from leading mass media outlets received accreditation. “Yesterday, I spent almost five hours answering all the questions they asked. Both bona fide and mala fide questions,” the head of state remarked.
“We were open. I'll tell you frankly. We did not need to close ourselves off or use administrative resources, etc.: that would have been detrimental. That would have cast doubt on the election. That is why we did everything openly,” the Belarusian leader said.
According to him, not a single request to visit border areas or military units was rejected. Journalists were also allowed to be present during the vote count.
“If you want to see it – fine. I said: show them (for the first time!) these stacks of ballot papers when they are laid out and the votes are being counted, let them not interfere with your work, let them take photos and videos. We have shown everything. Everything they wanted. That is why I don't know what one can complain about. Technicalities, maybe. We want to get feedback from you and the CIS mission. We are reasonable, educated people, we will fix it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko concluded.
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