CEC: Number of observers at polling stations to be reduced due to epidemic situation

Due to the epidemiological situation, the number of observers at polling stations during the current election campaign will be reduced. This resolution was adopted today at a meeting of the Central Election Commission (CEC), as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

Due to the epidemiological situation, the number of observers at polling stations during the current election campaign will be reduced. This resolution was adopted today at a meeting of the Central Election Commission (CEC), as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

The Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, Lidiya Yermoshina, proposed reducing the number of observers on the main voting day to five and during early voting to three for the duration of the current election campaign. "This only concerns presence. The accreditation of observers is not suspended," noted the head of the CEC. "Simply, at the time when the polling station opens for voting arrangements, the commission chairperson selects based on the date of submission of accreditation documents and determines the quantitative composition of observers. If an observer withdraws, the commission chairperson must call the next observer on the list and invite them to the polling station."

She recalled that the Ministry of Health has developed recommendations to prevent the spread of respiratory infections (including COVID-19) during the voting process in the Presidential elections. Among the recommendations is the observance of the principle of social distancing when arranging tables and chairs for commission members, observer spaces, and between voters (a distance of at least 1 m).

The changes do not apply to international observers, trusted persons of presidential candidates, deputies of the House of Representatives and members of the Council of the Republic, deputies of local Councils, who can observe in accordance with their status, as well as registered media. Journalists will be able to be present at polling stations.

As of July 21, the CEC has accredited 29 international observers for the presidential elections – from the Executive Committee of the CIS.

As previously reported, the House of Representatives has scheduled the presidential elections for August 9. According to the calendar plan, early voting in the elections will take place from August 4 to August 8. The Central Election Commission must announce the results no later than August 19. A second round, if necessary, is scheduled to take place no later than a two-week period, i.e., August 23.