Public officials are encouraged to ensure high turnout in local elections

On February 20^th, the amendments to the Law, envisaging the possibility for a public organization to be transformed into a political party, took effect.

Functionaries from the ‘Belaya Rus’ quango managed to lobby the adoption of these amendments in late 2013. In fact, the public association ‘Belaya Rus’ has been trying to become the ‘party of power’ since 2007, albeit unsuccessfully. As a rule, ‘Belaya Rus’ was strengthening its lobby ahead of the election campaigns in Belarus. President Lukashenko has no interest in such a political force emerging – he has been forced to make this symbolic concession to his officials. In response, during the 2014 local elections campaign ‘Belaya Rus’ will be responsible for ensuring high voter turnout on election day.