Home > 2 Organising the elections > BELARUS - Joint Opinion on the Electoral Legislation
 
 
 
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Paragraph 57
 

The rights of and limitations on international observers are regulated in Article 13 of the Electoral Code. The possibility to only passively watch or ask questions of members of electoral commissions does not allow observers to fully engage in observation necessary for formulation of justified conclusions. The Code forbids observers from creating any obstacles to the normal work of the commissions. This limitation is too vague and gives a basis for unjustifiable restrictions. The right of the Central Commission to deprive an observer of his or her accreditation can also be misused, as generally all problems can be solved by other means. Restricting participation in meetings or rallies should be abolished, as the mere presence to observe could be interpreted as “participation”.