Lukashenko invites CIS observers to elections, doubts int'l observers should be invited

MINSK. Sept 19 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has met with the heads of election authorities from Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) members and said he would like to see CIS representatives at the elections due in Belarus in 2025, while he had yet to make a decision about international observers.

"As to the CIS, we always want your representatives to be present at our elections. This is very important to us. Your friendly advice, remark or even criticism are taken seriously," the presidential press service quoted Lukashenko as saying.

At the same time, he doubted the need to invite international observers. "The thing is we know that their visit implies ready-to-use documents, which they will read out and sign," he said.

Lukashenko said he would like to consult CIS representatives before making a decision on election observers from other states.

"Of course, we would like them [international observers] to see for themselves and be disappointed in the opinion they had when they came here. Yet, we cannot allow them to come here again with their books and make a corresponding statement, which has already been prepared or not written by their hand," Lukashenko said.

Belarus will hold a presidential election in 2025. Its date has yet to be set. Belarusian Central Elections Commission Chairman Igor Karpenko said last week that the presidential election must be held no later than on July 20, according to the law.