Dictator: "Parliamentary Elections" Should Be Held as Usual

The ruler demanded not to take into account the recommendations of international observers, which "counter the interests of the Belarusian people".

Lukashenka stated that on April 27 at the meeting on development of electoral legislation, BelTA reports.

"People's will expression, in practice, should be conducted in an absolutely democratic and peaceful atmosphere and, most importantly, at the highest organizational level, as we have always practiced," he said.

According to him, a particular attention should be paid to the formation of election commissions, which "should include decent representatives of working collectives, political parties and public associations".

"Traditionally international observers arrive in the country. We should not decrease their number," Lukashenka stated and invitations to foreign partners should be sent as soon as the election date is adopted.

The meeting also discussed proposals for improving the electoral process, including recommendations OSCE/ODIHR of the interagency expert group, which was created by Lukashenka's order.

"Some probably can be implemented now, others later, when adjusting the rules of the electoral code," Lukashenka said.

He stressed the need to clearly identify those recommendations of the international observers, who could be taken into account as a matter of priority, and "do not consider proposals that would go counter to the interests of the Belarusian people".

"We must not forget that first and foremost, we must abide by its own laws in the election campaign. We should comply with our own interests," Lukashenka said, noting that "the Belarusian electoral legislation complies with international principles and takes into account the prevailing rules in Belarus".

"At least our legislation is not worse than in other states, with relevant elections that were recognized by international structures," he believes.