Mahilioŭ: member of "Mazhalit" leadership collects signatures at her enterprise

As learned by the Human Rights Center "Viasna", signatures in support of the nomination of the candidacy of the incumbent President A. Lukashenka were collected at the JSC “Mazhalit” during working hours.

These activities were performed by a member of the enterprise leadership, Alena Yermalionak, who is mentioned as member No. 9,310 of the electoral team of Aliaksandr Lukashenka in the official list.

Administration fees involved employee Elena Ermalёnok. It is on the list of the initiative group of the incumbent president on the official website of "Elections-2015" under No. 9310.

However, Art. 61 of the Electoral Code stipulates: "The participation of the administration of the organization in the collection of signatures, as well as coercion in the process of collecting signatures and rewarding voters for signatures are not allowed. Failure to do so may be grounds for refusal or cancellation of the decision on registration of the candidate for the President of the Republic of Belarus."

This means that the actions of Alena Yermalionak are unlawful and abusive.

Let us remind about similar cases, when signatures in support of A. Lukashenka were put during working hours under the pressure of plant administrations: at “Homieĺkabieĺ”, "Mahilioŭkhimvalakno", “Zenith” factory, at Salihorsk enterprises, in Mikaševičy hospital, in Homieĺ school No. 27 and so on. Such actions of the electoral team and the authorities of organizations, institutions and enterprises are illegal.

"Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections" remind that participation in the election campaign at all its stages is voluntary. Those who violate the electoral law and force citizens sign against their will can be brought to administrative and criminal liability.

"Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections”