CEC head: Belarus' electoral system must be protected against external interference

MINSK, 6 April (BelTA) - We must secure the electoral system from external interference and pressure, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Belarus Igor Karpenko told the media on 6 April, BelTA has learned.

“What we saw in 2020 was a genuine coup attempt, which, of course, cannot be allowed, never mind the use of the electoral system for such purposes. It is no coincidence that the topic of electoral sovereignty is mentioned in the National Security Concept as an inalienable right of the state to conduct election campaigns independently, without interference, any instructions and financing from outside. We are carefully studying the experience of our neighbors not only as part of bilateral meetings. Our representatives take an active part in election observation missions. Not long ago our observers were in Kazakhstan. Now a delegation of observers is going to Uzbekistan to monitor the constitutional referendum,” Igor Karpenko said.

According to him, this experience is of crucial importance. “You know that in the CIS space there is a Coordinating Council of Electoral Bodies. I think that in the near future the council will meet to develop a program of its work. This platform will enable us to exchange experience, including how to protect our electoral systems from attempts of external interference and pressure,” the CEC chairman said. “A lot has already been done. You know that the amendments and additions to the Electoral Code have come into effect. Today we are holding a meeting under the new code,” he added.

The Central Election Commission of Belarus met on 6 April to consider issues related to the Center for Public Relations and Electoral Procedure of the Academy of Public Administration under the aegis of the President of the Republic of Belarus, and to adopt a number of local documents. They included the media accreditation procedure, and the provision on the Certificate of Honor of the Central Election Commission and the Letter of Commendation of the Chairman.