Lukashenko discussed the preparation for the 2024 electoral campaign with the head of the Central Election Commission

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko discussed the preparations for the 2024 electoral campaign with the Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Igor Karpenko at a meeting, a BELTA correspondent reports.

In 2024, Belarus will hold a unified voting day for the first time, as stipulated in the updated Constitution. Not only will the composition of the parliament be formed, but citizens will also elect deputies to local councils of various levels. It is stipulated that the unified voting day is held on the last Sunday of February. In 2024, this will be February 25.

Another feature is the formation of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly, a body that has acquired constitutional status in Belarus following a referendum. The Constitution stipulates that the first meeting of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly should take place no later than 60 days after the unified voting day. Thus, the latest possible day for the start of the ABN Assembly's work is April 25.

On the preparation of the Presidential Decree

"We are already on the eve of the elections. There is a lot of novelty. Especially in terms of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. We are talking about parliamentary elections and the corresponding Presidential Decree. I have familiarized myself with the materials you have provided. There is no rejection of any of the issues. Especially regarding the issuance of the decree. I will instruct the Presidential Administration today to sit down together, work through it, and develop (involving the government) optimal deadlines for adopting this decree," said the head of state.

"I think your proposal in this regard is reasonable. You didn't come up with it alone. You probably suffered for it before making the proposal. Therefore, the issue of issuing the decree on elections is, consider it, resolved," said Alexander Lukashenko.

On interaction with state bodies

Another issue discussed at the working meeting with the head of state concerns interaction with state bodies during the preparation and conduct of the electoral campaign.

"You are proposing very correctly. Nothing should be discarded. We have extensive experience and practice in conducting elections in terms of engaging authorities and other government bodies. Everything is at your disposal. You are responsible for the organization. And all government bodies and structures, including myself, will help you implement the plan that we have all agreed upon together," said the Belarusian leader.

"The unified voting day is also a novelty. We are electing all councils vertically. Therefore, there will be enough work. We will carry out this work unhurriedly and calmly," the President is confident.

On Information Support

"Regarding information support, there is also a great deal of experience. But there is also a lot of new things. We need to use the internet and create new content, as you suggest. This also needs to be done to make it convenient for people," said Alexander Lukashenko.

According to him, this work should be carried out, starting from inviting voters, including sending SMS messages.

On Fair Elections and Observers

The head of state touched upon the issue of inviting observers to the upcoming elections in 2024. "The entities that invite observers are defined by law. We have nothing to hide. At the right time, when the deadline approaches, when we deem it necessary, we will invite observers. So that they can see how the elections will be conducted. So that we are not reproached for conducting elections like in America, where they shoot people after elections, and conduct elections by mail, and so on. And there are a lot of falsifications. This is already evident today. We must conduct these elections honestly," said the President.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that there is nothing to hide. "About 80% unequivocally support the course we have set today. What do we have to fear? Well, we will still fight for the 20% who are wavering and who are against it. I say this as President," noted the head of state.

On the Formation of the VNS

Separately, the head of state drew attention to such a novelty as the formation of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly.

"We are laying a solid foundation in this matter. We are gaining experience. We need to approach this very carefully. A lot is defined in the Constitution and laws: the number of members, how to elect them, from whom to elect them, and so on. There are no disputes here. Elections to the All-Belarusian People's Assembly must also be conducted openly and honestly," the President said. "There will be different people there. I am confident that there will be different points of view. The only thing is that there will be no enemies there. And we don't need enemies. Our society doesn't need them either. And points of view should be different so that we make the right decisions."

Summarizing, Alexander Lukashenko said: "Having familiarized myself with your written report and proposals, I, for example, do not see any other approaches. We need to start this work now."

Source: belta.by