MINSK, 27 January (BelTA) – The SCO observation mission has recognized the presidential election in Belarus as transparent, democratic and credible, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, head of the SCO observation mission at the presidential election in Belarus Nurlan Yermekbayev said at a press conference at the Central Election Commission Information Center, BelTA has learned.
“The Shanghai Cooperation Organization took part in the international observation of the preparation and conduct of the presidential election in the Republic of Belarus at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus. Our mission worked for five days starting from 22 January. The invitation of international observers is viewed by the mission as the desire of the leadership of the Republic of Belarus to ensure maximum openness, transparency and democratic nature of the presidential election, and signals their readiness to pay heed to the opinion of international observers in order to further improve the electoral process,” Nurlan Yermekbayev said.
The head of the SCO observation mission noted that 17 observers from seven SCO member states were accredited as part of the mission. “Most of them are experienced people representing the legislative, executive, and electoral bodies of the SCO member states, diplomatic staff of embassies located in Minsk, and the Secretariat officials,” he emphasized.
On the main voting day, members of the SCO observation mission arrived at polling stations before opening, they were present during the preparation of ballots and the sealing of stationary and mobile ballot boxes. In order to obtain as much information as possible, members of the mission visited polling stations not only in Minsk, but also in Mogilev, Brest, Grodno, and populated areas of Minsk Oblast, Mogilev Oblast, Brest Oblast, and Grodno Oblast. All in all, members of the mission inspected 109 polling stations. The visits were not coordinated with the executive or electoral bodies of Belarus. The choice of polling stations was made by the mission independently. Members of the SCO observation mission did not face any obstacles.
“The mission would like to acknowledge active participation of citizens in the voting process and excellent training of members of precinct election commissions. The necessary conditions for voting were in place at polling stations. We saw commission members being approached by voters and national and international observers. All members of precinct election commissions could provide prompt and substantial answers, they were polite and attentive. In other words, the work of election commissions was highly professional, transparent and independent. Precinct election commissions provided all the necessary documents, information and reference materials,” emphasized Nurlan Yermekbayev.
The SCO observation mission also paid attention to the high activity of young people, including first-time voters. Voting was calm and compliant with the law, with media workers in attendance.
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