Calmly and without incident. How the election campaign went in the Vitebsk region

  The electoral campaign in the Vitebsk region proceeded in accordance with electoral legislation and without incident. This was announced to journalists at a briefing by the chairman of the regional election commission, Dmitry Khoma.


"The presidential elections in the Vitebsk region were held in accordance with the electoral legislation of Belarus. All stages were carried out in strict accordance. A huge amount of work was done by both local authorities and members of territorial and precinct election commissions. The atmosphere that prevailed during the early voting and especially on the main voting day was festive and calm. Comfortable conditions were provided for the members of the election commissions. Special words of gratitude go to the law enforcement bloc, the internal affairs bodies. Ambulance services, employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations were on duty at all polling stations, which created a safe environment," emphasized Dmitry Khoma.

He noted that voters were also friendly during the voting. "No provocations or incidents occurred during early voting and on the main voting day, nor were there any gross violations. There were isolated cases of photographing ballots. No cases of ballots being taken out or observers being removed were recorded. I would like to note that more than 30 international observers worked in the region. No remarks were received from them," reported the chairman of the regional election commission.

Dmitry Khoma said that international observers, in addition to their main mission, also share their experience of electoral campaigns in their countries and draw positive experience from Belarus.

The chairman of the regional election commission informed that the forecast of a slightly lower turnout in the cities was confirmed. Among the most active districts was Dokshitsky, where more than 94% of residents came to vote. Also, more than 90% of voters participated in the elections in Rossony, Beshenkovichi, and Sharkovshchina districts. "Turnout is always high in rural areas, and this is due to the clear work of the commissions in organizing voting at the location of voters," said Dmitry Khoma.ma.

He recalled that the changes in the electoral legislation, in particular regarding the number of ballot boxes for home voting, were initiated, among others, by the Vitebsk region, which has a large spread of settlements with small populations. If previously three ballot boxes were allowed for this purpose, now five are permitted. The region took advantage of this opportunity. Good weather also helped, although all services were prepared even for snowfall and icy conditions. "In Vitebsk, at each polling station, the number of voters at home varied from 20 to 40 people, and in rural areas in some districts, it exceeded 200 voters," noted the chairman of the regional election commission.

He also spoke about citizens' appeals regarding election issues. "On the day of the main voting, no appeals were received by our commission. This indicates that all citizens who applied were granted the right to vote at home," emphasized Dmitry Khoma.

"BelTA"