OREANDA-NEWS. November 11, 2009. The improvement of the electoral legislation in Belarus will not require introducing changes to the Constitution, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said at a cabinet session held to discuss the improvement of the electoral legislation.

“There is no need and no time to hold another referendum on changes in the Constitution,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

The President said that the measures to improve the electoral legislation in Belarus that are currently being discussed are a great step forward. However the consequences of such a step should be carefully considered. “It should be done exclusively in the national interests,” the head of state said.

A special focus was placed on the following proposals: firstly, election commissions (except for the Central Election Commission) should consist of representatives of political parties and other non-governmental organisations by at least one third. “I do not see any problems here at all. The decision is taken by the executive committee. Contact the executive committee, and it will decide whether or not to include you in an election commission. But such a representation should not be enforced,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

Secondly, the procedure of nominating candidates will be simplified. Political parties will be able to nominate candidates in all constituencies regardless of the presence of their offices there.

Third, to give candidates the right to hold mass election campaign events on a notification basis and in the specially-designated places and to give them the right to conduct joint events.

“There are no problems with that either. But let us agree once and for all: whatever place we talk about, may it be Minsk, Mozyr, Bereza or any rural council, a special place should be designated for these purposes. There will be no exceptions for any party. They are welcome to hold rallies provided they give prior notice so that we could ensure the security and order. These rules should be strictly abided by,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

Fourth, to allow creating individual election funds having ensured a tough control over fund raising and use.

Fifth, to abolish the minimum turnout requirement to recognize elections to local councils as valid. The head of state stressed that this does not pertain to the presidential election. “We should not cancel the minimum turnout requirement for the presidential election. It should remain as it is: 50% plus one vote,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

There are proposals to expand the rights of observers allowing them to monitor vote counting. But again I do not see any problems with that. The chairman of the election commission takes a decision on site who can take part in vote counting and who cannot. Nevertheless, let us discuss this proposal too, said Alexander Lukashenko.