Miory Regional Executive Committee

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting with Central Election Commission Chairman Igor Karpenko discussed preparations for the 2024 electoral campaign, a BELTA correspondent reports.

In Belarus, a single voting day will be held for the first time in 2024, as provided for in the updated Constitution. Not only will the composition of parliament be formed, but citizens will also elect deputies to local councils of various levels. It is stipulated that the single voting day takes place on the last Sunday of February. In 2024, this falls on February 25.

Another feature is the formation of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly, an organ that acquired constitutional status in Belarus following the referendum. The Constitution stipulates that within 60 days after the single voting day, the first session of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly must convene. Consequently, the latest possible date for the start of the Assembly's session is April 25.

On the Preparation of the Presidential Decree

"We are already on the eve of the elections. There is a great deal of novelty. Especially regarding the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. We are talking about parliamentary elections and the corresponding Presidential decree. I have reviewed the materials you presented. There is no objection to any of the points. Particularly regarding the issuance of the decree. I will instruct the Presidential Administration today so that you sit down together, work through it, develop together (with the involvement of the Government) optimal deadlines for adopting this decree," the head of state said.

"I believe your proposal in this regard is reasonable. You did not devise it alone. You likely had to work through it extensively before putting forward the proposal. Therefore, the matter of issuing a decree on elections can be regarded as settled," Alexander Lukashenko stated.

On Interaction with State Bodies

Another issue discussed during the working meeting with the head of state concerns interaction with state bodies in preparing for and conducting the electoral campaign.

"Your proposal is highly appropriate. Nothing should be set aside. We possess extensive experience and practical expertise in organizing elections, particularly concerning the mobilization of authorities and other state bodies. Everything is at your disposal. You bear responsibility for the organization. All state bodies and structures, myself included, will assist you in implementing the plan that we have jointly agreed upon," the Belarusian leader stated.

"The introduction of a single voting day is also a new development. We are conducting elections for all councils throughout the vertical. Consequently, there will be substantial work ahead. We will proceed with this task methodically and without haste," the President noted confidently.

On Information Support

"Regarding information support, we also have considerable experience. However, there is much that is new. It is necessary to utilize the internet and develop new content, as you have proposed. This must be done to ensure convenience for the public," Alexander Lukashenko stated.

According to him, this work should begin with voter outreach, including the dispatch of SMS notifications.

On Fair Elections and Observers

The Head of State addressed the matter of inviting observers to the elections scheduled for 2024. "The entities authorized to invite observers are established by law. We have nothing to conceal. When the appropriate time comes and we deem it necessary, we will extend invitations to observers. They will witness the electoral process firsthand. This is to avoid comparisons with the situation in the United States, where violence against citizens occurs after elections, postal voting is utilized, and numerous instances of fraud exist—matters already apparent today. We are committed to conducting these elections fairly and transparently," the President stated.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that there is nothing to conceal. "Approximately 80 percent currently unequivocally support the course we have set. What is there to fear? As for the remaining 20 percent, who are undecided or opposed, we will continue to work to win their support. I speak to you in my capacity as President," the Head of State remarked.

On the Formation of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly

The Head of State separately highlighted the establishment of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly as a significant new development.

"We are laying a certain foundation in this matter. We are accumulating experience. This must be approached with great care. A great deal is stipulated in the Constitution and in the laws: the number of members, how to elect them, from which bodies to elect them, and so on. There is no controversy here. It is also necessary to conduct elections to the All-Belarusian People's Assembly openly and honestly, – said the President. – There will be different people there. I am confident there will be different points of view. The only thing is that there will be no enemies there. But we do not need enemies. Nor does our society. Points of view should differ so that we can make correct decisions."

Summing up, Alexander Lukashenko said: "After reviewing your written report and proposals, I, for instance, do not see any alternative approaches. We need to begin this work now."

Source: belta.by