The independent observers working in Salihorsk report numerous instances of coercion to early voting, as well as other election violations.

In particular, a woman asked for a paper certifying participation in early voting after she cast her ballot, says observer Uladzimir Shyla representing the Belarusian Helsinki Committee in polling stations Nos. 76 and 77; the certificate is meant for her employer.

According to human rights defender Leanid Markhotka, coercion has been used by the administration of the Belaruskali major enterprise.

“In fact, forced early voting is not even concealed. People are being sent to the polling stations in droves. Employees are even excused from work for a few hours to vote,” says Leanid Markhotka.

Apart from that, observers report rigged turnout results at polling station No. 8, where the official figure is 10 people larger than the observers’ estimates.

“Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections”