CEC: due to the epidemic situation, the number of observers at polling stations will be reduced
The Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, Lidiya Yermoshina, proposed to reduce the number of observers on the main voting day to five, and during early voting - to three, for the current election campaign. "This only concerns presence. The accreditation of observers is not suspended," noted the head of the CEC. "Simply, at the moment when the polling station opens for voting, the commission chairperson selects based on the date of submission of accreditation documents and determines the number of observers. If an observer withdraws, the commission chairperson must call the next observer on the list and invite them to the polling station."
She recalled that the Ministry of Health has developed recommendations for preventing the spread of respiratory infections (including COVID-19) during the voting process for the Presidential elections. Among the recommendations is the observance of the principle of social distancing when arranging tables and chairs for members of the polling station commission, places for observers, and between voters (a distance of at least 1 meter).
The changes do not affect international observers, proxies of presidential candidates, deputies of the House of Representatives and members of the Council of the Republic, deputies of local councils, who can observe in accordance with their status, as well as registered media. Journalists will be able to be present at polling stations.
As of July 21, the CEC has accredited 29 international observers for the presidential elections - from the CIS Executive Committee.
As reported, the House of Representatives has set the presidential election for August 9. According to the calendar, early voting in the election will take place from August 4 to August 8. The Central Election Commission must summarize the results no later than August 19. A second round, if necessary, is scheduled to take place no later than two weeks later, i.e., on August 23.