On September 18, Minsk / BELTA correspondent /. Enhanced measures to protect ballot boxes during early voting have been introduced for the 2012 parliamentary elections. This was reported to BELTA correspondent by Nikolai Lozovik, Secretary of the Central Election Commission of Belarus. In accordance with the amendments and additions made to the electoral legislation, measures to protect ballot boxes during early voting have been strengthened. "In particular, at the start of voting in the past elections, only two members of the precinct commission could be present, whereas now the law requires at least two-thirds of the precinct commission members to be present," explained Nikolai Lozovik. Early voting for deputies of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus began today and will last until September 22 inclusive. All polling stations where voting is possible are now open. Their working hours are from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. After the end of each voting day, the slot on the ballot box is sealed with a sheet signed by the chairperson and a member of the precinct commission. The premises where the ballot box is located are handed over to the custody of an employee of the internal affairs department. "If there is no one in the premises where early voting is conducted, including during the period between morning and evening voting, the slot in the ballot box is also sealed. This way, speculations about ballot stuffing when there are no commission members or observers at the polling station are ruled out," emphasized Nikolai Lozovik. The CEC Secretary added that not only the voting premises but also the adjacent territory are under police protection. These measures are designed to ensure the safety and peace of citizens during all electoral procedures, noted Nikolai Lozovik. At the same time, there are no restrictions on campaigning. "The electoral legislation states that campaigning is only impossible within the polling station," said the Secretary of the Central Election Commission. Early voting in Belarus will take place at 6,037 polling stations opened at the voters' place of residence, as well as at 39 polling stations established in military units, and 43 abroad. Early voting will not be conducted at 268 polling stations established in sanatoria, health resorts, rest homes, hospitals, and other stationary medical and preventive institutions. Voter lists for these locations are compiled two days before the elections, and voting will take place on September 23, 2012.