PACE: Belarus still has a considerable way to go in honoring its commitment to democratic elections

The vote counting procedures and the rules governing the work of observers on polling day need to be considerably improved in order to enhance confidence in the electoral process.

“On polling day, voters had been able to make their choice in a transparent manner in the presence of many domestic and international observers, - says the report prepared by delegation head Reha Denemeç. –  However, an election is not limited to polling day; Belarus needs to reform its electoral legislation to ensure a thoroughly competitive political environment which is a key condition for the long-term democratic stability of the country”.

Polling day was calm and the voting well organised, the document reads. Thus, the presence of representatives of the candidates and national observers in a large number of the polling stations was observed by PACE ad hoc committee.

The report emphasizes that while voting was taking place, in general, observers were not allowed to approach members of the polling station to verify the electoral rolls and signatures; this prohibition is provided for in the Electoral Code. The members of PACE ad hoc committee were not systematically allowed to get near the tables to observe the counting of votes, which is provided for in the Electoral Code. The procedures are not set out in detail, which is detrimental to the transparency of the count and the publication of results, PACE report claims.

The report published at PACE website also mentions that the Belarus authorities should pursue their co-operation with the Parliamentary Assembly and with the Venice Commission in order to improve the legal framework and electoral practices in Belarus.