MINSK, 18 June (BelTA) – The next parliamentary vote in Belarus will take place on 23 September 2012, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting on the election to the National Assembly of Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko also noted that the new Council of the Republic will be formed by the end of September. The President stressed that the parliamentary election is not only a major political event for the country but also a demanding test for the authorities, especially local ones. “I want to caution. We should not please anyone from the outside. We will not do it. Elections are held for the Belarusian people, and only in their interests. Belarus is a sovereign state and will not tolerate any interference,” said the President. He added that “the country will continue working normally, without short deadlines and emergencies.” “We need to have one goal in mind: We need to hold the election in strict accordance with national legislation, fairly, openly, ensuring the expression of will of the Belarusian people,” the head of state said. Alexander Lukashenko believes that while preparing for the parliamentary election, cohesion, accuracy and exceptional mobility are needed. He highlighted that the organizational measures should be implemented in a calm and constructive atmosphere, with understanding between all participants in the electoral process. The head of state believes it is very important for the current election campaign. “We have learned to conduct elections as a celebration for the Belarusian people. Let us once again make this a holiday. This day should be a holiday for people,” Alexander Lukashenko said. The President believes that close attention should be paid to the formation of election commissions. “Decisions on them should be open, involving political parties and civil organizations. Representatives of the parties regardless of their political affiliation who proved themselves during the previous election campaign should be included into the election commissions,” the head of state noted. Alexander Lukashenko warned against any artificial restrictions in the registration of candidates for members of the parliament. “Everyone who has the right to be registered should be registered. All the citizens of the country should be provided with every opportunity to exercise the right to vote and be elected,” the President said.

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