Presidential election 2020 in Belarus

9 August suggested as date for presidential election in Belarus

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MINSK, 8 May (BelTA) – 9 August is suggested as the date for the presidential election in Belarus, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Lidia Yermoshina said at a parliamentary session on 8 May, BelTA has learned.

The political authorities of the country have held consultations with the Central Election Commission and the House of Representatives. “A unanimous decision has been reached to hold the elections on 9 August,” Lidia Yermoshina said. 

In her words, if the parliament supports the proposal, then the main electoral campaign will kick off tomorrow, on Great Victory Day. “It is symbolic, and to a certain extent complies with the spirit and letter of the presidential election procedure,” Lidia Yermoshina said.

According to the law, the House of Representatives may schedule elections on any Sunday in August. Lidia Yermoshina explained why 9 August had been proposed. The presidential election is held in two rounds if no one gains an absolute majority of votes (more than 50%) in the first one. “Postponing the elections to the last Sunday, 30 August, may cause suspicion that the authorities plan to hold the elections in one round, ruling out the possibility of additional voting in a two-week time,” said Lidia Yermoshina. In this case, the time for the second round will go beyond the terms specified in the Constitution. The situation with 23 August is similar. As for 16 August, the second round, if needed, will fall on 30 August. Lidia Yermoshina said that 30 August is the end of school holidays in the country. In that case it will be difficult to combine the elections with the back to school events.

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