On February 3, the Central Election Commission of Belarus will hold a meeting to establish the results of the Presidential election of the Republic of Belarus based on the protocols of territorial commissions. A correspondent of "VV" learned about the course of the election campaign in the Vitebsk region.
– It proceeded in full compliance with the election legislation of Belarus, – stated Dmitry Khoma, chairman of the regional election commission, at a briefing with media representatives. – We can state that a huge amount of work by everyone stands behind the results of the past elections: both local authorities and members of territorial and precinct election commissions. Both during early voting and on the main day, a festive and calm atmosphere prevailed. This applied not only to voters but also to commission members who were not distracted by any provocations. Comfortable and safe conditions were provided, for which special words of gratitude go to the law enforcement sector, medical workers, and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
No gross violations of public order or commission of crimes on the territory of polling stations were recorded, but isolated cases of photographing ballots did occur. 4055 national observers, as well as over 30 international observers from various missions, worked in the region. No remarks were received from them.
As for the voting results, today, on Tuesday, after receiving the protocols from all territorial commissions and processing them, the final meeting of the regional election commission is planned.
The forecast that voter turnout in cities would be lower than in rural areas was justified. Thus, in Vitebsk, less than 84% of those on the lists voted (broken down by districts of the regional center, this is 85.69% for Zheleznodorozhny, 80.81% for Pervomaisky, and 83.61% for Oktyabrsky district). Meanwhile, rural districts showed higher activity: for example, Dokshytsy and Rosson districts – over 94%, Beshenkovichi and Sharkovshchyna districts – over 93%.
The work of commissions in rural areas was facilitated by the fact that additional ballot boxes for voting at the place of residence were allocated, given that a large number of sparsely populated villages with elderly residents are located in the Vitebsk region. In some districts, the number of voters at home reached 200 or more, while within the precincts of the regional center, it ranged from 20 to 40 people. By the way, the process of updating ballot boxes is underway, and it will be completed by the next elections, believes Dmitry Khoma. The weather was also favourable – meteorological conditions did not create additional obstacles for commission members visiting voters at home.
The preliminary results of the Presidential elections by candidates in the Vitebsk region are as follows: 1.49% of voters cast their votes for Oleg Gaidukevich, 1.47% for Anna Konopatskaya, 87.61% for Alexander Lukashenko, 3.72% for Sergey Cherechen, and 1.72% for Alexander Shklyarov. 3.42% voted against all.