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Union State

28.09.2010

Belarusian CEC promises to be as loyal to contenders for the presidency as possible

Central Election Committee of Belarus promised to be loyal to the contenders for the presidency. This attitude was expressed by Chairman of Belarus’ Central Committee for Elections and Referenda Lidiya Ermoshina.

Central Election Committee of Belarus promised to be loyal to the contenders for the presidency. This attitude was expressed by Chairman of Belarus’ Central Committee for Elections and Referenda Lidiya Ermoshina.

She said that as of September 27th, 17 initiative groups of contenders for the presidency obtained registration. For reference, in 1994 the CEC registered 19 groups, while in 2001 23 groups received registration (yet, only 18 took part), in 2006 – 8 groups. By the end of the day all members of the initiative groups will have received the certificates, subscription lists and instructions on election procedure from the CEC.

Lydia Ermoshina also said that Sergei Gaidukevich has the largest initiative group – 10443 members, the second largest group supports the incumbent President – 8403 members and is followed by the initiative group of Vladimir Neklyaev – 3271 members.

Speaking about the work ahead, Lydia Ermoshina said that “there are rules that we cannot ignore”: “Under Constitution, a candidate for the Presidency is a person who is supported by at least 100 thousand voters. That is why, if the candidate lacks even 10-20 votes (to make up 100 thousand), we cannot do anything, and, therefore, this person will be denied registration”. The Head of the Central Election Committee also noted that “if there are any other violations – those that are not specifically stipulated by the Constitution, then we, of course, will be as loyal to the candidates as only possible”.

CEC Head also said that in the near future the committee will publish regulations on budgeting and expenditure of candidates’ personal fund, which will make up 3000 base units or BR105 million rubles. These funds can be spent on advertising, salaries of members of initiative groups, as well as payment for lease of premises.

Lydia Ermoshina noted that the account can be opened at Belarusbank and the candidate must inform the CEC, which in its turn will publish account details in Belarusian newspapers. The bank will not change any fee for this service, yet won’t pay any interest either. In addition, the candidates will be allocated 2300 basic units from the budget.