Presidential election 2015 in Belarus

MINSK, 11 October (BelTA) – Results of the exit polls held as part of the Belarus president election will be released after the polling stations close, BelTA learned from Professor David Rotman, Doctor of Sociological Sciences, Director of the Social and Political Studies Center of the Belarusian State University, during the roundtable session held in the information center of Belarus’ Central Election Commission (CEC) on 11 October to discuss sociological support for the election campaign and the responsibility of sociologists before the society.

David Rotman pointed out that no plans to release preliminary exit poll data had been made. “I would like to warn you right away: although half of the day has passed, no exit poll results will be revealed now because studying continues. The agencies, which are now conducting exit polls, will be able to reveal their results after the polling stations close,” he noted.

Three agencies have been authorized to poll Belarusian citizens after they exit polling stations. Those are the Sociology Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, the Youth Lab for Sociological Studies of the national union of public associations Belarusian Committee of Youth Organizations, and the Institute for Comparative Social Studies Eurasian Barometer. These organizations enjoy respect. “They have been working for some time. They have accumulated a lot of experience. They give interesting and useful recommendations,” explained David Rotman.