Public interest is high. CIS observers shared their impressions of the referendum process in the Vitebsk region

The Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee hosted a meeting between the region's leadership and a mission of observers from the Commonwealth of Independent States for the republican referendum on amendments and additions to the Constitution of Belarus, who will be monitoring the referendum's election campaign in the Vitebsk region. The first impressions of what has been seen in the region are positive.

 

Bekbolot Mamanov, Deputy Director of the CIS Executive Committee Department, noted the active participation of citizens in the political process:

- The interest is lively – we are witnesses.

A similar opinion was expressed by his colleague, Mikhail Lebedinsky, Chairman of the Election Commission of the Leningrad Region, who emphasized that the opportunity for early voting allows people to exercise their civic right at a convenient time. This significantly affects the final turnout of citizens in the political campaign. He also expressed confidence in a high voter turnout on the main voting day:

- I believe that the preparatory information campaign has been conducted very competently. Most people I have spoken with are aware of the main changes planned for the Constitution. And many have a positive attitude towards this issue.

 

Advisor to the CIS Executive Committee Olga Kremskaya, during the meeting, emphasized the attention paid to people with disabilities in the organization of the voting process. This includes the opportunity to vote at home, as well as elements of barrier-free environment at polling stations:

- Belarus has been very responsible in approaching this aspect for a long time. And this is very important, as it affects voter turnout.

Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin expressed words of gratitude to all participants of the meeting. He stressed that in any process, the unbiased opinion of external professionals is important:

- The presence of observers at this most important political event in our country is also a crucial moment. Yes, we have everything worked out and prepared. Everything is proceeding systematically. But a fresh external perspective on the process allows us to identify shortcomings in order to avoid them in the future.

"SB"