Mahiliou observers report numerous cases of enforced voting

According to Andrei Dvihun, observer at Mahiliou polling station # 42, over 25 per cent of voters have cast their ballots within the first three days of early vote. The high number of early voters is due to the enforced voting of students residing in a hostel within the constituency.

Local observers report numerous facts of using administrative coercion against hostel residents.

Mr. Saladkou, deputy manager for ideology of the Elektrarukhavik state-owned enterprise, has reportedly forced the residents of the company’s hostel to take part in early voting.

Similar complaints have been registered at the hostels of the Tekhnaprybor factory, and the Kuibyshau factory.

Human rights defender Uladzimir Krauchanka says the election commission members are ordered to report on the number of early voters.

‘Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections’