“We urge the OSCE ODIHR not to accept this belated and limited invitation from the regime to observe the so-called presidential election on January 26. Elections are not just about the voting day. They are a lengthy process that must be transparent and meet democratic standards.
In 1994, OSCE participating states mandated ODIHR with long-term observation to ensure fair elections. As ODIHR has noted, the regime failed to provide a timely and unrestricted invitation, violating Belarus’ commitments to the OSCE. Accepting this invitation to observe the voting would set a dangerous precedent for the entire OSCE region”.
