Over 300 polling stations will be involved in the exit poll for the Presidential elections in Belarus.

More than 300 polling stations across the country will be involved in the exit poll for the Presidential elections in Belarus on August 9. This was announced to journalists today by Igor Pinchuk, Candidate of Sociological Sciences, research consultant, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

More than 300 polling stations across the country will be involved in the exit poll for the Presidential elections in Belarus on August 9. This was announced to journalists today by Igor Pinchuk, Candidate of Sociological Sciences, research consultant, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

The required number of polling stations for the study was calculated according to scientific standards, taking into account international experience. "We rely on a formula that involves a non-repeatable selection. We take the general population, the total number of polling stations in Belarus, and calculate the necessary number to be involved in the study. It will be more than 300 polling stations across the country," the expert explained.

About 1,000 specialists will be involved in the study. "The projected sample, i.e., the number of respondents to be interviewed, is more than 12,000 people," informed the research consultant.

The survey will be conducted throughout the day. Interviewers will poll a certain number of people per hour. "Everything is done strictly according to instructions and is time-regulated," he emphasized.

The survey will be conducted approximately 10-15 meters away from the polling station. "This is important because, according to international methodology, a certain step must be observed when selecting respondents. An interviewer cannot poll every person leaving the polling station," noted Igor Pinchuk. In large and medium-sized settlements, the step will be larger than in rural areas.

The research results will be published only after the polling stations close. "Not earlier than 20 minutes later. This is international practice," clarified the expert.

"The projected margin of error, the ideal we will strive for, is 2% according to international standards. In practice, up to 5% is permissible," added the specialist.

Igor Pinchuk recalled that an exit poll is a survey conducted at the exit of polling stations. "That is, it is not a telephone survey, not an online survey, but a direct interview with a person who has already cast their vote," explained the specialist.