January 9, Pozirk. The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) have expressed deep regret over the lack of invitation for monitors to document Belarus’ presidential election, arguing that it hinders an impartial and independent assessment of the electoral process.
“This decision underscores the continued lack of commitment by the Belarusian authorities to invite other OSCE states to observe and provide an independent view on whether the elections are held in line with OSCE commitments and international democratic standards,” ODIHR director Maria Telalian said.
According to the joint statement, ODIHR has been making efforts in recent months to engage with the Belarusian authorities on an invitation to observe. It has been unable to monitor key stages of the process.
“Once again, the Belarusian government has decided to disregard its obligation as a signatory to the 1990 Copenhagen Document to invite observers from other OSCE participating States for its elections,” OSCE PA president Pia Kauma said.
“The lack of cooperation from Belarus diminishes the spirit of trust that underpins the OSCE even more, and the lack of transparency further undermines faith in the electoral system of Belarus,” she noted.
In September, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryžankoŭ said he doubted the need for inviting ODIHR observers to the presidential election scheduled for January 21-26. This observation will have no practical benefit since monitors are instructed “what to look at and how,” he said.
The Belarusian pro-democracy opposition has dismissed the election as a sham, noting the lack of opportunities for opponents to participate.
Minsk is expecting flattering assessments from observers from the Commonwealth of Independent States and other alliances involving Russia.
