International and national observers unanimously note the clear organization of the election campaign for the President of the Republic of Belarus
Undoubtedly, executive and administrative authorities, as well as election commissions at all levels, play a crucial role in ensuring that all stages of the electoral process are conducted democratically, openly, in a calm atmosphere, and in full compliance with the law. Dmitry Khoma, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Commission for the Election of the President of the Republic of Belarus, has considerable experience as one of the organizers of election campaigns. In previous years, during presidential elections, as well as elections to the National Assembly and local Councils of Deputies, he served as a member, deputy chairman, and chairman of a precinct election commission, and a member of the regional commission. In 2014, he headed the regional commission for the election of deputies to local Councils of Deputies.
On the eve of the Presidential election of the Republic of Belarus, we asked D. Khoma questions that are of interest to voters.
— Dmitry Leonidovich, how many of us, residents of the Vitebsk region, are participating in the voting for the President of the Republic of Belarus?
— On October 5, the Central Election Commission checked the readiness of commissions at all levels for the voting stage. By this time, we have updated data regarding the number of voters residing in the Vitebsk region. So, 877,793 residents of the Dvina region with the right to vote are included in the voting lists. Invitations to visit their polling stations during early voting days or on election day have been sent to all voters. The actual number may vary (for example, a citizen was outside Belarus, returned for the election, and wishes to vote), but insignificantly. On Friday last week, ballots were transferred to territorial commissions, and on October 5, i.e., the day before early voting began, they were received by precinct commissions.
— How can a voter find out if their name is included in the lists?
— The easiest way is to contact your local election commission, even by phone. Information about the location of polling stations was published in print media and posted on the websites of regional executive committees, as well as district and city executive committees. It will not be superfluous for a voter to inquire whether their name is included in the voting lists, even if they intend to receive a ballot by presenting a document other than a passport. In accordance with the Resolution of the Central Election Commission No. 77 of September 24, 2015, based on Part 2 of Article 52 of the Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus, other documents, in addition to the passport of a citizen of the Republic of Belarus, upon presentation of which a ballot is issued to the voter for voting, include a driver's license, a military ID (for conscripts), a service ID of a civil servant, a pension certificate with a photograph, a student ID, a certificate from internal affairs bodies – for citizens who have lost their passport. According to these documents, a citizen will also be issued a ballot, but only if they are included in the voting lists.
— And if a citizen does not find themselves on the lists, how can they vote in that case?
— The basis for inclusion in the voting lists is registration at the place of residence, permanent or temporary. Citizens who have the right to participate in elections, but for some reason are not included in the lists, are additionally included by the precinct commission. The procedure here is as follows. Citizens registered at the place of residence within the territory of the polling station are included in the lists based on their passport with a registration stamp; voters registered at the place of stay are included based on their passport and a document confirming registration at the place of stay; citizens who do not have registration within the territory of this precinct are included based on their passport and a document confirming residence within the territory of the polling station (e.g., a lease or rental agreement). In this case, the precinct commission forwards a notification about the inclusion of the citizen in the list to the precinct commission of the precinct where the citizen has registration at the place of residence or place of stay.
— Who can vote early?
— All citizens of the Republic of Belarus who are included in the voting lists, except for those who will vote at polling stations established in sanatoriums, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities where voting takes place on election day.
— How are the relations between the members of the regional commission and international election experts working in the Vitebsk region?
— The relations are business-like and friendly. Currently, two observer missions registered by the Central Election Commission are monitoring the election campaign in our region — from the CIS and the OSCE. They are working very closely, visiting polling stations formed in the Vitebsk region, training sessions for precinct commissions, meetings of the regional commission, and requesting various information concerning the number of voters included in the voter lists, the work of the regional commission and its members, and the election campaign as a whole. There has not been a single question on which international observers have not received a comprehensive answer from the members of the regional commission. All expert requests have been satisfied.
— Dmitry Leonidovich, in your opinion, what will be the voter turnout at the polling stations?
— I believe the turnout will be high. Sociological surveys in our country, the experience of past election campaigns, and the opinions of many voters with whom I have had the opportunity to communicate both as the chairman of the regional commission and simply as a citizen support this assumption. There is a high level of interest from people to participate in the voting and give preference to the most worthy candidate, in their opinion.
To date, the regional commission has received only one complaint directly related to the electoral process, and several appeals unrelated to the elections. These appeals are being forwarded to the relevant services. However, even in this case, voters who came to us with their problems expressed their intention to come to the polling station and vote. Moreover, it is in our people's tradition to go to the polls as if to a celebration, especially at one of the most important moments in the country's life, when the head of state is being elected. I repeat: whatever isolated remarks may be heard, the interest of our people in personally deciding what the republic's tomorrow will be is very high. For their part, members of the election commissions and executive authorities are doing everything to ensure that the elections are held in an organized, democratic manner, in full compliance with the law, and are remembered for a truly festive atmosphere. The internal affairs bodies and the Ministry of Emergency Situations ensure order and safety during the elections. Conditions have been created for voters with disabilities, including a barrier-free environment. And the members of the election commissions of Vitebsk region are experienced specialists who have participated in more than one election campaign. In short, nothing should prevent the free expression of will by our people.
— These days, materials under the heading "Why I will vote" are being published in "Vitbichi". Dmitry Leonidovich, how would you answer this question?
— It is my duty as a citizen of the Republic of Belarus who cares about the country's fate. I will definitely come to my polling station – on one of the early voting days or on October 11. And I will make my conscious, responsible choice. Which is what I urge the voters of the Vitebsk region to do. Commission members at all levels will be happy to see you at the polling stations. Only we, together, will decide what the country's tomorrow will be. Everything depends only on us.
Vitaly Senkov. Photo by Oleg Klimovich. "Vitbichi".