Minsk’s IDC Invites Observers to Belarus Elections in November

Minsk’s International Discussion Club has announced the project, “International Observers at the Belarussian Parliamentary By-Elections and the November 1996 Referendum.” IDC invites political leaders, active members of political parties and youth political organizations, and scholars and researchers to take part in a political seminar in Minsk and to join a team of official foreign observers during the elections and referendum scheduled for November 24, 1996.

Electoral legislation of Belarus allows for domestic and foreign observers to verify the fairness and openness of election procedures. IDC also has considerable experience in organizing international election observation teams (to Russia in 1993, ‘95, and ‘96). It now wants to extend this experience within its own country, carrying out this project together with its sister organization, the Womens’ Discussion Club (Minsk).

Goals. Goals of the project are:

• To introduce participants to Belarussian political life. To allow them to make contacts with representatives of different political forces, governmental institutions, and NGOs.
• To assist in carrying out free and fair elections in Belarussia and to prevent violations during the elections.

Program. Voting observation will take place in the Minsk region. Participants should be aware that campaign activity can be chaotic and unpredictable. The following events will be included in the program:

• attending press conferences with the candidates;
• visiting rallies;
• discussions and meetings with political leaders, scientists, journalists;
• meeting with members of electoral commissions, polling stations staff;
• watching the voting and ballot counting at polling stations;

IDC is also organizing international observer teams for Russian regional elections this fall (for the positions of governor and other posts as well). Events in Russia will start November 9, a week before their election day.

Timetable. IDC offers a 9-day program in Minsk. On election day all participants are expected to be at polling stations watching the voting and ballot counting. Participants will leave on November 26, after discussion of the results and exchange of experience. Participants can come earlier and leave later in accordance with their wishes.

Costs. All participants should be prepared to cover their travel and ground expenses themselves and to pay a participation fee. Participants are encouraged to apply to foundations in their countries or to their national foreign ministries for support. IDC will assist in getting the Belarussian visa and will provide hotel reservations and interpreting, if necessary. Ground costs will depend on the duration of stay and on specific requests.

How to apply. To make application or for further information, please contact IDC by e-mail: [email protected] or by fax: (7-095) 200-2265. (Mark the fax “for IDC”.)

More information about IDC and this project will soon be available on the Web:

http://www.cis.lead.org/zarov/observer.html

(The information above came from a post by Andrey Ozharovskii to the Belarus list: [email protected])

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Center for Civil Society International [email protected]