Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 25 November (BelTA) – The work of the Central Election Commission of Belarus represents a calming factor. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he met with Chairwoman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Belarus Lidia Yermoshina, BelTA has learned.

The head of state remarked that the term of office of the current Central Election Commission will expire on 20 December. Alexander Lukashenko thanked all members of the Commission for their uncompromised and truly responsible work.

“Certain people may regard this work in a different manner. But even they understand that we would be hard pressed to find another national election organization agency that works so effectively,” said Alexander Lukashenko. “We have researched the matter. The opinion polls we’ve conducted indicate that an absolute majority positively evaluates the work of the Central Election Commission and its chairwoman. This is why I would like to thank you once again for everything the Central Election Commission has done. This work is a calming factor in our country.”

The candidates that may become part of the new Central Election Commission were discussed during the meeting. Apart from that, the potential top officials of the national election organization agency were approved such as the Commission’s chairperson, the deputies, and the secretary.

Alexander Lukashenko and Lidia Yermoshina also discussed the improvement of the election process and the legislation. The head of state backed all the proposals of the Central Election Commission.

In line with the legislation the Central Election Commission comprises 12 citizens of Belarus. As a rule, they have a law degree and experience of organizing elections and referendums. Six members of the Central Election Commission are appointed by the country’s president while the other six are elected by the upper chamber of the Belarusian parliament.

Candidates for the Central Election Commission are nominated through joint decisions of the presidiums of the oblast councils of deputies, the Minsk City Council of Deputies, and the administrations of the oblasts and the city of Minsk.