English

Top EU officials say that Belarus’ elections were short of international standards

 

Catherine Ashton, the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, and Stefan Fule, the EU commissioner for enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, in a joint statement issued on September 24, criticized the conduct of Belarus’ September 18-23 elections for the House of Representatives.

“Yesterday’s parliamentary elections represent yet another missed opportunity to conduct elections in line with international standards in Belarus,” the statement said.

“The EU has followed closely developments during the pre-electoral period and on election day. There were some improvements in the electoral process, such as an improved Electoral Code, but regrettably the elections took place against the background of an overall climate of repression and intimidation.”

Ms. Ashton and Mr. Fule said that they noted the assessment by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights that “the elections were not administered in an impartial manner, with key OSCE commitments not fully respected, including citizens’ rights to associate, to stand as candidates and to express themselves freely.”

The EU officials urged Minsk to “take steps to fully implement Belarus' international commitments to democratic principles and human rights,” and expressed readiness to “assist Belarus to this end.” // BelaPAN