Events

MINSK, 27 November (BelTA) – Belarusians will be able to vote early in the forthcoming elections to the councils of deputies from 13 to 17 February 2018, BelTA learned from the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Belarus.

Polling stations will be opened from 10h00 to 19h00 with a lunch break between 14h00 and 16h00. Everyone who is unable to come to the polls on 18 February will have an opportunity to cast their votes early in support of one of the candidates.

“If you are abroad on the voting day, we suggest voting early as no polling stations are set up outside the country for the local elections” the CEC said.

The voting on 18 February will be open from 8h00 to 20h00. In order to receive a ballot paper a voter should present a passport or other identification papers such as military service record card, a certificate of employment, a pension certificate or a student identity card, a certificate from the interior bodies (for the citizens who have lost their passports).

Due to poor health or any other reasonable excuse, the voter has the right to request home voting.

When in health resorts, hospitals or any other healthcare facility providing medical assistance, a voter shall be entitled to vote in a polling station set up in this facility.

More than 18,000 deputies of local councils will be elected in Belarus on 18 February 2018. Nomination of candidates shall be carried out by traditional methods: through nomination by political parties, labor groups and citizens through collection of signatures. According to the country’s legislation, there is no turnout threshold in local elections. The one who gets the most votes is elected to the local council.

The elections budget will be close to $10.5 million in foreign currency terms.