Nikolai Burlyaev: Polling stations in Minsk opened on time, there are no violations

Nikolai Burlyaev, coordinator of international observers from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, member of the Council of Coordinators of the CIS Observer Mission at the Republican Referendum on Amendments and Additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, first deputy Chairman of the Committee for Civil Society Development, Public and Religious Associations of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, told about the process of monitoring of the Referendum in the Republic of Belarus
“Since the beginning of voting we have already visited six polling stations. We have observed the opening of a polling station, the process of sealing ballot boxes, preparations for voting; at the polling station where we were present, everything went smoothly, they opened on time. The work is calm and orderly, there are no violations, everything is legitimate, calm and nice,” said the coordinator of international observers from the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly.
“Everything is transparent and normal, I thought there would be some kind of reinforcements, but everything is going on calmly, there are no police on the streets. People are coming to vote. We have contacted local observers and they say that there are no violations.
As for the turnout, two hours ago (1 p.m. Moscow time) we asked at some polling stations, they told us that 51% of people have voted, but everyone expects more voters in the evening, when people start coming back from the countryside.”
“Everything is legitimate, calm and nice,” stressed Nikolai Burlyaev.
Nikolai Burlyaev is observing the voting process at polling stations in Minsk, from the moment of their opening until the counting of the votes is completed. International observers from the CSTO PA as members of the CIS Observer Mission work at polling stations in Minsk and the Minsk oblast.
After the vote count is completed, a coordination meeting of the CIS Observer Mission and an exchange of views is planned to prepare a statement on the results of the observation.