Presidential election 2015 in Belarus

MINSK, 12 October (BelTA) – The voting process on the election day was assessed positively in 95% of observations, BelTA learned from the statement of preliminary findings and conclusions released by the OSCE mission sent to monitor the presidential election in Belarus.

In accordance with the preliminary findings some procedural problems had been noted. The overall transparency of the voting process was assessed negatively in 3% of reports. A large number of observers were not allowed access to check the voter lists, but those, who were, noted instances of series of seemingly identical signatures. Indications of ballot box stuffing were reported as well.

Apart from that, the mission took a dim view of the fines awarded for unauthorized street events. The document reads: “Although the events were not prevented from taking place by the authorities, their organizers were tried in court and fined for conducting them without permission.”