A third of the deputies of the 27th convocation of the regional Council intend to be re-elected for a new term

In most constituencies of the regional and Vitebsk city Councils, potential contenders have chosen this most democratic way to run for representative bodies of power.

According to official information posted on the websites of city and district executive committees, almost all district election commissions have registered initiative groups (or held meetings on this issue).

Preliminary analysis shows that about a third of the deputies of the regional Council of the 27th convocation intend to be re-elected for a new term. A similar situation is developing in the elections to the Vitebsk City Council, where 19 deputies have registered initiative groups. At this stage of the election campaign, competition for mandates has already emerged in some constituencies of both the regional and city Councils.

Nomination of candidates (by collecting signatures, from political parties, and from work collectives) will continue until January 8, after which contenders will have to undergo registration (until January 18 inclusive) and begin campaigning.

In accordance with the resolution of the Central Election Commission, candidates for deputies will be required to submit income declarations for 2016. The CEC has also regulated issues related to the formation of their own election funds by candidates.

They can be formed in the following amounts: candidates for deputies of the regional Council – up to 30 basic units (690 rubles), candidates for deputies of other Councils – up to 10 basic units (230 rubles).

The fund can be formed both from the candidate's own funds and from voluntary donations from citizens of Belarus and Russia (if they permanently reside in Belarus).

"Vitebskiye Vesti". Photo from open sources.