Belarus parliament to discuss MEPs participation in election monitoring in Belarus
MINSK, 26 March (BelTA) – Belarusian parliamentarians will consider a possibility to invite members of the European Parliament to monitor the elections to the local Councils of Deputies that will be held in Belarus on 25 April, BelTA learnt from Sergei Maskevich, Chairman of the House of Representatives’ permanent commission for international affairs and links with the CIS.
“The MPs will analyze and discuss this issue,” he said commenting on the recent statement by the MEPs about their readiness to dispatch an observation mission to Belarus.
Sergei Maskevich underlined that Belarus has never invited foreign MPs to take part in the observation of elections to the local Councils of Deputies. This is why the number one question now is whether or not a precedent should be created. After all, other countries do not usually invite international observers to monitor local elections, either. Foreign observers are traditionally invited to monitor elections to the national legislative bodies. “Belarus is no exception. We certainly invited foreign observers, inter-parliamentary delegations for Belarus’ parliamentary elections. This issue has usually been addressed by the Council of the House of Representatives,” Sergei Maskevich explained.
When asked if there are any political obstacles to invite MEPs to the forthcoming elections, Sergei Maskevich said, “What political obstacles can there be? While discussing this issue, we will certainly consider all pros and cons and take into consideration the political aspect, too.”
