In the Vitebsk region, Maslenitsa festivities will complement the cultural program at polling stations

On the day of the election of deputies to local Soviets, various thematic cultural and mass events will be organized at polling stations, which will complement the folk Maslenitsa festivities, the Main Department of Ideological Work, Culture and Youth Affairs of the Regional Executive Committee reported.

Traditionally, diverse cultural and mass performances with the participation of professional creative groups and amateur performers are organized at polling stations. Since the main voting day of the current election campaign coincided with the culmination of Maslenitsa week, the program of events will be expanded to include thematic festive celebrations planned at the main venues in cities and rural settlements. For example, in the regional center, voters will be able to join the Maslenitsa festivities at the Cultural and Historical Complex "Golden Ring of Vitebsk "Dvina", at the venues near the Cultural and Business Center "Pervomaysky" and Children's Art School No. 3 "Maladz i k".

At Vitebsk State University named after P. Masherov, teachers and students will introduce folk traditions to first-year students from China and Turkmenistan, as well as everyone who wishes to learn.

As reported by the Regional Election Commission, 798 polling stations will be operational in the Vitebsk region on election day, including 36 formed in sanatoriums, health resorts, rest homes, hospitals, and other healthcare organizations providing inpatient medical care, and another 2 in military units. All polling stations are decorated and equipped in accordance with the Electoral Code, with 100% of stationary ballot boxes being transparent. Approximately 870 thousand citizens are included in the voter lists. Special attention is paid to creating conditions for voting for voters with disabilities. Thus, about 62% of polling stations are equipped with elements of barrier-free environment. More than 73% of polling stations are located on the first floors of buildings, and if necessary, measures are taken to equip them with temporary ramps. In addition, volunteer groups are organized.

with about 1.2 thousand people who will provide assistance and are ready to accompany physically weakened individuals. Polling stations are equipped with magnifying glasses for citizens with impaired vision. In addition, voter lists are being formed, including elderly citizens and individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, who have requested to vote at their location. Members of the election commissions will visit this category of voters on election day; if necessary, they will be transported to polling stations by vehicle. 3327 candidates are running for 3212 deputy mandates of Councils at all levels.

During the campaign, three candidates running for the city councils of Vitebsk and Barani withdrew from the electoral marathon on their own initiative. Of the current convocation deputies, more than 1.8 thousand people are running for a new term, or about 55% of the total number of registered candidates. Among the potential deputies, there are about 1.7 thousand women, which is 4.2% more than in the previous elections.

In addition, 137 young people (under 30 years old) are competing for mandates, as well as seven citizens of the Russian Federation. In the Vitebsk region, 220 Councils at the basic and primary levels are to be formed, including 192 rural, 21 district, 2 town, 5 city, as well as the regional Council of Deputies.

BELTA. Photos from open sources.