Belarus: Electoral reform is key for the progress

The European Parliament called today on Belarusian authorities to resume the work without any delay on a comprehensive electoral reform as part of the broader democratization process. It also stressed the need to introduce the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations in due time before the municipal elections of March 2018 as a prerequisite for achieving further progress in the EU-Belarus relations.

- After over 20 years, the democratic opposition is represented in the Belarusian Parliament. Even though we consider it to be a political appointment, rather than electoral outcome, this gesture from the side of the Belarusian authorities must we acknowledged. On the other hand, it cannot be overestimated either. The response will have to be carefully balanced – commented Bogdan Zdrojewski, chairman of the EP Delegation for the relations with Belarus.

In the resolution adopted today Members expressed their deep concern over the shortcomings observed during 2015 presidential and 2016 parliamentary elections. The progress in this regard, which is key for reaching the desired improvement in the relations between the EU and the Belarussian authorities, they stressed, is still insufficient.  

The resolution reiterates also the appeal on the Belarusian authorities to ensure the respect for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and calls on the Belarusian government to rehabilitate the released political prisoners, including the restoration of their civil and political rights. It stresses that all political parties must be permitted unrestricted political activities, especially in the electoral campaign period, and finally, urges Belarus, the only country in Europe still applying capital punishment, to join a global moratorium on the execution of the death penalty as a first step towards its permanent abolition.

In parallel however, Members reiterated its commitment to work for the benefit of the people of Belarus.  In this field, the EP plans to speed up the visa facilitation negotiations and explore new forms of support for civil society in Belarus. It stressed, in this regard, the importance of independent sources of information for Belarusian society, including media broadcasting in the Belarusian language.

- The aim of EU policies is first and foremost the support of the pro-democratic aspirations and initiatives of Belarusian people. They need to have hope that their initiatives contribute to a stable, democratic, and prosperous future of their country  - emphasized Bogdan Zdrojewski.