8 October, Minsk / Yekaterina Nechayeva - BELTA /. The work of territorial commissions for the election of the President of Belarus will be monitored by 66 observers, delegated by citizens, work collectives, parties and public organisations of our country. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by Nikolai Lozovik, Secretary of the Central Commission for Elections and National Referendums. According to the CEC, 16 citizens and 6 work collectives submitted applications for observing the work of territorial commissions, 4 applications were received from political parties, and 40 from public associations. As can be seen, political parties did not show particular interest in the opportunity to observe the work of territorial commissions. Only the Communist Party of Belarus, nominating three representatives, and the BNF decided to participate in this process. In Nikolai Lozovik's opinion, political parties are likely "not very interested in this level of commissions"; perhaps they will show more interest in observing the work of precinct commissions. Nikolai Lozovik stressed that following the adopted changes to the electoral legislation, the opportunities for observation for political parties and public associations have significantly expanded; they can "more freely use the institution of observation". In particular, they have been granted the right to delegate not only party and organisation members for observation but also their representatives, who can be any citizens. The "on-demand" principle of observer registration has also been established. Previously, they had to register the day before and were only entitled to start observation the following day, but now they can begin observation directly on the day of application, Nikolai Lozovik explained. In addition, local observers have gained more significant rights. They can draw up an act (previously, only make a statement) on identified violations, which the election commission must consider and make an appropriate decision. -0-

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