On Thursday 24 November, the European Parliament called on the Belarusian authorities for a comprehensive electoral reform, stating that no free and fair elections have been conducted in the country since 1994.
In the joint resolution (Greens/EFA, S&D, EPP, ALDE and ECR) that was adopted by 468 votes in favour, with 21 against and 93 abstentions, MEPs called on the Belarusian authorities "to resume work without delay on a comprehensive electoral reform as part of the broader democratisation process and in cooperation with international partners". In the MEPs’ view, there is a need to introduce the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations "in due time" before the municipal elections of March 2018, so that national and international observers can be present. "This is key to achieving the desired improvement in EU-Belarus relations", MEPs stated. All political parties must be able to exercise political activity without restriction, especially during the electoral campaign period, MEPs add.
More generally, the European Parliament again calls on the Belarusian authorities to ensure respect, in all circumstances, of democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms. This includes rehabilitating political prisoners who have been released, and fully restoring their civil and political rights, as well as abolishing the death penalty. The authorities should also stop harassing independent media for political reasons, and should authorise the organisation of, or participation in, the activities of non‑registered public associations.
Supporting the EU in its policy of critical engagement with the Belarusian authorities, and asking it to preserve the dynamic of pursing the normalisation of its relations with the country, MEPs called on the Commission and European External Action Service to take the necessary measures for speeding up progress in negotiations on visa facilitation and to strengthen their support for civil society organisations. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)