The work of the site in Vitebsk for the elections of deputies to the State Duma of Russia is organized at a high level – the observer

The work of polling station No. 8045 in Vitebsk for the election of deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation of the ninth convocation is organized at a high level. This opinion was shared with the correspondent of sb.by by an international observer, deputy of the House of Representatives representing the mission of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, Yuri Panfilov.

First of all, Yuri Panfilov noted the extremely successful choice of the location of the polling station. It is located in the center of the city on the street. Mayakovsky, 1 and equidistant from different districts of the city and the railway station, the observer stressed:

- Convenient logistics makes it accessible to all citizens, including those coming from different regions of the Vitebsk region. In addition, the room is located on the first floor with a spacious lobby and no barriers, which provides comfortable conditions for people with disabilities.

- We attended the sealing of the ballot boxes. The Chairman of the Commission presented them empty in the presence of observers. Information stands with extracts from the legislation, rules for filling out ballots and lists of candidates are decorated on the site. At the same time, I consider it important to note the specifics of the process: in foreign polling stations, voting is on federal party lists, and this information was clearly presented to voters.

The polling station in Vitebsk opened at exactly 8:00 to the anthem of the Russian Federation. It is encouraging to see that people go to vote consciously, already knowing their choice, added Yuri Panfilov:

- For us, as observers from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State, ensuring a high organizational level of the electoral process is not just a formality. This is a matter of interaction between our countries within the framework of the Union State. Belarus and Russia strive to equalize the rights of citizens of the two countries in all spheres of life, so holding quality and legitimate elections is of fundamental importance for us.

The flow of citizens at the site in Vitebsk was quite active since the morning. Only in the first two hours of the polling station, more than five dozen people fulfilled their civic duty, the chairman of the polling station commission of polling station No. 8045 Igor Demyanenko informed:

- There are a lot of people here, including young people. The process is proceeding in an organized manner. Four observers from public organizations and the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus monitor compliance with the regulations, and media representatives work. Thus, the whole system is prepared and works effectively.

I have lived in Belarus for a long time, since 1997. I moved here for family reasons. Despite the fact that I live outside of Russia, I consider participation in the elections mandatory – it is a responsibility to my native country. I constantly follow the events in the homeland, periodically go there to visit relatives. And I believe that my voice can contribute to the development of Russia for the better.

I try never to miss an election. This is an important state affair for me. In Vitebsk, I vote regularly and always note that the site is decorated with dignity, the organization is always at its best. Judging by our site, I can assume that the process is organized exemplary throughout Belarus.

- The distance of more than a hundred kilometers to the regional center was not frightening, because the goal is very important. We believe that every person must fulfill his civic duty. Every vote counts – this is how the people together determine the future of their country. Therefore, even when we are away from our homeland, we do not see any obstacles to participation in the elections. Moreover, it is clear that the organizers made a lot of efforts to make this process go well. Everything went well at the station - organized and quickly, very friendly staff, ready to explain all the information. For our part, we came prepared - we already knew exactly for whom we would vote.