Belarus’s permanent representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Andrei Dapkiunas announced on Monday that the country does not plan to invite observers from the OSCE to monitor its parliamentary election scheduled for February 25th. This decision, according to Dapkiunas, is due to a range of factors, including certain geographical and functional imbalances in the OSCE election observation system.
Dapkiunas explained that the choice of observation formats, unequal observer distribution in Vienna, and a Western dominance in OSCE missions collectively influenced the decision. He expressed concern over a worsening atmosphere of interstate interaction within the OSCE, leading to a confidence crisis. Logistical issues resulting from the closure of border checkpoints by Western neighbors—specifically Poland—and air traffic restrictions were additional hindrances.
The OSCE referred to this decision as “deeply regrettable”, highlighting that it contradicts the principle of transparency and undermines the interests of the citizens. The 2024 elections will be the second consecutive time that the OSCE will not be able to observe the Belarusian elections, having been barred in 2020 as well. Despite these roadblocks, the OSCE has pledged to observe the election process across all areas within its reach.
Igor Karpenko, the head of the Central Election Commission, in an interview with ONT, stated that the election is held primarily for Belarus. However, acknowledging the importance of international observation, he mentioned that representatives from the Central Election Commissions of the Commonwealth of the Independent States (CIS) countries and the World Association of Election Bodies would be invited.
International stakeholders have responded critically to the announcement. The US ambassador to the OSCE, Michael Carpenter, condemned the lack of fairness in Belarus’s elections since 1994. Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya referred to this as a dismal attempt by the regime to legitimize itself.
The Belarusian government has faced significant backlash following the 2020 elections, with President Aleksandr Lukashenko winning a sixth term, leading to mass protests and arrests across the country. The upcoming parliamentary election will take place during politically tumultuous times, with approximately 1,500 political prisoners, including opposition leaders and the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski, currently behind bars. Global organizations, including the United Nations, have expressed concern about the situation.