Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections

Праваабарончы цэнтр «Вясна» беларускі хельсінкскі камітэт

The collection of signatures by presidential candidates is over

October 6 was the final day for candidates to collect signatures in the presidential election* race. The signatures will be verified within the following ten days.

Recently, the head of the Central Election Commission reported that nearly all candidates have surpassed the 100,000-signature threshold.

Reports from various regions indicate pressure on voters. People are forced to leave their signatures to support candidates under threat of consequences. For instance, in Homeĺ enterprises, employees were summoned to their superiors and coerced into signing without checking their passports. In Orša, medical workers are reportedly required to come to administrative offices to sign in support of Lukashenka.