Citizens campaign for secret vote procedures at Supreme Court

Over 250 appeals by Belarusian citizens have been submitted to the Presidential Administration and the office of Chairman of the Supreme Court, demanding to introduce secret voting at the Court’s sittings, says lawyer Mrs. Tamara Siarhei, leader of a civil initiative against unlawfulness in courts and prosecuting authorities.

In particular, the appeals mention Art. 2 of the Belarusian Constitution, saying that “the individual, his rights, freedoms and guarantees to secure them are the supreme value and goal of the society and the State.”

In July 2011, President Lukashenka enforced amendments to a number of procedures concerning judicial reviews, introducing a new body – the Supreme Courts’ Plenary Assembly. However, the Assembly is expected to take decisions in an open vote. Meanwhile, it is the secret vote that is the most democratic means of voting.