Mahiliou region: No opposition activists in territorial election commissions

Meanwhile, Mahiliou pro-democratic activists nominated two people to the regional election commission, and one person to the city election commission.

The situation is commented upon by local human rights defender Barys Bukhel:

“Aliaksandr Kozin, an activist of the Belarusian Left Party "Fair World", and Uladzimir Parfionau, an activist of the United Civil Party, were not included in the regional election commission. The reasons for the refusal are flimsy and unexplainable – they just do not meet the requirements. It is interesting to know who you have to be to join this commission, especially because Uladzimir Parfionau already worked in the election commission.”

Barys Bukhel says Mahiliou city election commission was formed today, on December 27.

“The commission was formed within 10 minutes. It was obvious that candidates had already been agreed upon in advance, and therefore the meeting of officials and deputies was only formal. This time, representative of the Belarusian Left Party "Fair World", Professor Valery Beraziyenka was not included in the election commission. He was not included on the “professional and business” grounds, and due to his age. Probably, the officials did not like that Beraziyenka, when he was on the district election commission during the previous elections, refused to sign the final minutes,” said Barys Bukhel.

It should be noted that human rights defenders Barys Bukhel, Aliaksei Kolchyn and Viktar Boldzin were allowed to observe the formation of the city election commission and were invited to this meeting in advance.

“Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections”