253 observers accredited in Belarus for local council elections

January 21, Minsk /BELTA/. As of January 20, election commissions have accredited 253 observers for the elections of deputies of local Councils of Belarus of the twenty-seventh convocation, BELTA was informed by the Central Election Commission.

The largest number of observers, 150, have been sent by public associations so far, including the public association "Belaya Rus", the Belarusian Republican Youth Union, the Belarusian Women's Union, the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus, and the Belarusian Public Association of Veterans. 13 people have been accredited from political parties. So far, only the Communist Party of Belarus and the United Civil Party have shown activity.

78 observers have been accredited through citizens' applications, and work collectives have sent 12 people to observe the elections.

As reported, Belarus has introduced the institution of mandatory accreditation for national observers. This innovation also applies to the ongoing campaign for the elections of deputies of local Councils.

Foreign observers are not planned to be invited to the local elections, as Belarus's international obligations do not provide for such a duty.-0-