Отрицание пандемии коронавируса в сетях постсоветских мигрантов/мигранток в Германии. Досье Бориса Шумяцкого

Весна выпустила новый доклад о ситуации с правами человека в Беларуси в 2020 году. Репрессии 2020 г. являются самыми массовыми в новейшей истории Беларуси и свидетельствуют о глубоком кризисе с правами человека в стране.

Oдни называют это цензурой, другие требуют такого же «бана» для AfD

Кеворк Алмасян - публичный защитник режима Башара Асада

Они участвовали в муниципальных выборах в NRW

Множество сотрудников считают свою зарплату недостаточной

Об этом предупреждает полиция NRW

Это постановил суд по трудовым спорам города Зигбург (NRW)

Локдаун будет продлен до 31 января

Канцлер призвала нацию держаться вместе в пандемию коронавируса

Частный сектор может внести раскол в общество

EPDE condemns the murder of Mohammad Yousuf Rasheed, the Executive Director of the Free and Fair Election Forum of Afghanistan (FEFA), a fellow GNDEM member organization from Afghanistan. In his role as Executive Director of FEFA, a non-partisan civil society organization that works to advance Afghan democracy and electoral integrity, Rasheed was a critical voice and valued contributor to the country’s work on democracy and human rights.

Министр здравоохранения предостерегает от лишней спешки

Это предложение было внесено фракцией "Зеленых"

Они подозреваются в серии преступлений в районе Нойкёльн

Одним из них стал критик ношения масок Томас Зайтц (AfD)

Уголовная полиции Германии сообщает о 297 "корона"-преступлениях

Unsere Serie #RegioUkraine porträtiert die Regionen der Ukraine. Im sechsten Teil geht es um Lwiw. Die Region Lwiw gilt als eine der am besten entwickelten Regionen der Ukraine in wirtschaftlicher, kultureller wie touristischer Hinsicht. Trotz ihrer unglaublichen Landschaften, ihres reichen kulturellen Erbes und der Dynamik ihrer Kreativindustrie leidet die Region aber unter einem Mangel an hochwertiger Infrastruktur und der Abwanderung von Arbeitskräften.

Подсудимый виновен в убийстве двух и покушении на 51 человека

Ahead of the upcoming 2022 parliamentary elections, the Hungarian governing coalition passed an amendment to the country’s electoral code introducing stricter conditions for parties to register national lists in the elections, which in practical terms seems to be forcing the parties of the democratic opposition to run on one joint party list. While adjustments to the electoral map were anticipated and are slowly overdue, the governing parties voted against the politically neutral proposal filed by the opposition that addressed the issue. This raises concerns about prospective gerrymandering.

Ahead of the upcoming 2022 parliamentary elections, the Hungarian governing coalition passed an amendment to the country’s electoral code introducing stricter conditions for parties to register national lists in the elections, which in practical terms seems to be forcing the parties of the democratic opposition to run on one joint party list. While adjustments to the electoral map were anticipated and are slowly overdue, the governing parties voted against the politically neutral proposal filed by the opposition that addressed the issue. This raises concerns about prospective gerrymandering.

Это произошло в следствии исключения из партии  Франка Паземанна

The second round of elections cemented the victory of the Georgian Dream (GD). Despite the opposition boycotting the elections, violations persisted. The first session of the Parliament convened in absence of the opposition and parties saw some annulling of their mandates. The DG pledge for an early election if there was one percent deviation in its favour, did not go forward. The statistical analysis partially corroborated the observers’ findings, highlighting trends of discrepancies. The court practices also indicated political bias and undue consideration of complaints and appeals.

Die Kyjiwer Gespräche sind in diesem Jahr fünfzehn geworden. Die Leiterinnen des Berliner und des Kyjiwer Büros Silke Hüper und Tetiana Lopashchuk reflektieren in diesem Gespräch über die Entwicklung des Projekts, seine Erfolge und Perspektiven. 

Избирательный процесс на всех его этапах не соответствовал ряду основных международных стандартов проведения демократических и справедливых выборов и сопровождался многочисленными нарушениями данных принципов и требований национального законодательства. Существенные нарушения, в том числе лишение наблюдателей возможности видеть подсчет результатов голосования не дает оснований доверять результатам выборов, озвученным ЦИК.

The electoral process at all its stages did not comply with a number of basic international standards for holding democratic and fair elections and was accompanied by numerous violations of these principles and provisions of national legislation. Significant violations, including the deprivation of observers of the opportunity to observe the counting of voting results, does not give grounds to trust the election results announced by the CEC.

Recently proposed amendments to the ‘foreign agents’ law in Russia would increase the number of organizations at risk of being labelled as ‘foreign agents’ and would force election candidates who received funding or other resources from an organization or person registered as a ‘foreign agent’ to also label themselves as a ‘foreign agent’. There is serious reason to assume that the recent proposed amendments target specific individuals and organizations and have been drawn up at least in part with a view to the 2021 State Duma election. 

Following an internal audit of the results of the parallel vote tabulation (PVT) of the October 31 Parliamentary elections, ISFED released an update of their PVT result. The correction insignificantly altered the percentage points of votes received by the electoral subjects and the difference does not change the number of mandates secured by the electoral subjects.

Аркадий Ротенберг – друг детства Владимира Путина

In a recently released report by a coalition of Belarusian human rights defenders, experts concluded that the protesters detained en masse on 9-12 August were deprived of the right to a fair trial. This is confirmed not only by the testimonies of people, but also by procedural and medical documents. The human rights defenders once again deplore the absence of legislatively defined safeguards against torture, which, in their opinion, continues to result in impunity.

Названы имена восьми отравителей - сотрудников ФСБ

Многие парламентские партии подымают этот вопрос

После 8 вечера нелзя посещать даже родственников и друзей

According to OPORA, campaigning was quite competitive in the second round. Although the election process was competitive, the second round of the mayoral election in Kryvyi Rih shows that the state and civil society must work further on the prevention of abuse of administrative resources. Like in other Ukrainian cities, candidates or groups of their supporters disseminated negative, provocative, or knowingly false information about competitors on the eve of the election day.

Правозащитники заявляют: авторитарные правители использовали ситуацию с пандемией

The “all-Russian voting” on President Putin’s proposed constitutional amendments, which would allow him to stay in power until 2036, was held between 25 June and 1 Jul 2020. Since the “all-Russian voting” lacked legal provisions and a constitutional status, a new legal framework was created, which, among others, did not foresee any international monitoring. However, “international experts” were invited to effectively endorse the “all-Russian voting”.

The “all-Russian voting” on President Putin’s proposed constitutional amendments, which would allow him to stay in power until 2036, was held between 25 June and 1 Jul 2020. Since the “all-Russian voting” lacked legal provisions and a constitutional status, a new legal framework was created, which, among others, did not foresee any international monitoring. However, “international experts” were invited to effectively endorse the “all-Russian voting”.

Группа заметно радикализируется за счёт внедряющихся экстремистов

Академия наук ФРГ поддержала призыв отказаться от послаблений ограничительных мер

Децентралізація влади відкрила нові можливості зростання і водночас увиразнила давні проблеми регіонів України. Розширення адміністративних і фіскальних повноважень місцевого самоврядування передали розвиток територій до рук громад. Проте для багатьох локальних спільнот це стало викликом, адже їм часто бракує кадрів, навичок управління і моделей співпраці між різними аудиторіями — люди потребують консультаційної і ресурсної підтримки на втілення задумів. Навчальна програма Київського Діалогу надає місцевим дієвцям таку допомогу. Про цю підтримку та про здобутки розбудови громадянського суспільства України на місцях розповіли керівниці проєкту — Тетяна Лопащук і Зільке Гюпер.

In recent years, election experts observed significant increase of spending on election campaigns. The transparency of party and campaign financing became one of the key requirements to ensure the integrity of today's election processes. To raise awareness about the urgent need to increase transparency, our newest comparative study analyzes the regulation and oversight of political party and campaign financing in the EU - Eastern Partnership and Russian Federation.

In recent years, election experts observed significant increase of spending on election campaigns. The transparency of party and campaign financing became one of the key requirements to ensure the integrity of today's election processes. To raise awareness about the urgent need to increase transparency, our newest comparative study analyzes the regulation and oversight of political party and campaign financing in the EU - Eastern Partnership and Russian Federation. 

Историки называют этот поступок "одним из величайших политических жестов в истории"

CDU выступила против повышения цены за радио- и телевещание

Связанное с этим совпадение вызвало резонанс в интернете

Мерцу как и Трампу типичны нападки на истеблишмент

Палестинская молодежь из ФАТХ отрицает право Израиля на существование

В молодежном журнале “fluter" он приводит тезисы из этой книги

Ранее Яна сравнила себя с Софи Шолль

Рассказ еврейской беженки вызвал волну реакций

Это заявление поддержали большинство депутатов

Их вызвал успех основателей компании Biontech

Гости AfD мешали парламентариям из других партий работать

В партию перешел Марко Бюлов из SPD

Некоторое время назад она отказалась выдвигаться кандидатом на пост лидера SPD

Рольф Мютцених (SPD) призвал не абстрагироваться от происходяшего в США

Впервые эта проблема была изучена с точки зрения пострадавших

Это послужило причиной кризиса "кенийской" коалиции в Саксонии

Под дверью премьер-министра Тюрингии оставили свечку и листовки

Эта акция могла представлять угрозу для общественной безопасности

Главный вопрос: как Левым относиться к России?

Мужчину в маске Эмманюэля Макрона провели по Sonnenallee, время от времени ударяя ремнём

Телеграм становится альтернативой даркнету

В местах несвободы находятся 147 политзаключенных, их количество продолжает увеличиваться. Общее же количество граждан, в отношении которых были возбуждены уголовные дела в избирательный и пост-избирательный период, составило более 900 человек; общее количество задержанных за участие в мирных собраниях с начала избирательной компании составило более 30 000 человек.

Пам’ятайте, що досягати змін можна тільки шукаючи союзників, одразу визначайте поле можливостей та формуйте переговорний потенціал.

At least 379 protesters were detained on Sunday in Minsk and other cities of Belarus, according to Viasna’s database. Only a few were released, while most are expected to stand administrative trials in the coming days. According to the nn.by news website, a total of 30,000 people have been detained in Belarus since the August 9 presidential election.

In five out of the 11 cities holding runoff mayoral elections, voter bribery schemes were recorded. Mass photographing of ballots as well as transportation of voters to polling stations were reported. The number of incidents and the scale of methods related to bribery have increased significantly compared to the first round of elections and compared to the 15 November vote. Such methods can especially impact the vote when there is a low turnout.

The second round of parliamentary elections in Georgia will take place on November 21 amid a political crisis and protests by opposition parties who refuse to participate in the second round. The opposition parties' boycott of parliament and refusal to run in the second round significantly undermine the election process, claims the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED).

Black PR was massively used during the election campaign and the extent of this has significantly grown in the runoffs compared to first round elections, claims CVU. Several of the black PR cases go as far as violating criminal law. The resignation of MPs from their newly won regional council positions to allow other candidates from their party's list to win and schemes to artificially increase voter turnout may not violate electoral law, but can be considered manipulative.

Moldova's presidential election runoff had a high voter engagement. During voting day, certain polling stations abroad ran out of ballots and thus did not allow voters to cast their vote. Organized transportation of voters from Transnistria and intimidation of election observers was also again present during the second round of the election. Promo-LEX’s parallel vote count largely correlated with the official results announced by the CEC and the vote count was conducted in a quick and calm manner.

Maryna Kastylianchanka, Viasna member and journalist, has been sentenced to another 15 days of administrative detention, after a mock trial held in the Baranavičy detention facility on Tuesday, November 17. The activist was found guilty of joining a protest in Minsk, 25 October. The new conviction is the second consecutive sentence for the Viasna member after she spent 15 days in prison on similar charges, which she denied.

Ahead of Hungary’s next parliamentary elections scheduled for 2022, the Orbán-government submitted a new amendment to the electoral code on 10 November 2020. Along with a series of technical adjustments, the amendment seeks to change the conditions under which parties can register national lists for the election. The proposal comes as the main opposition parties are in negotiations about their strategy for 2022 and, if passed, would limit their current options for cooperation.

The Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections in Moldova, to which EPDE member Promo-LEX contributes its election observation findings, has stated that the presidential elections of 1 and 15 November were "partially correct and free". This coalition of Moldovan CSOs and media organizations further state that several voters were unable to exercise their right to vote; the election campaigns was marked by hate speech and disinformation, as well as an unbalanced media coverage.

The Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections in Moldova, to which EPDE member Promo-LEX contributes its election observation findings, has stated that the presidential elections of 1 and 15 November were "partially correct and free". This coalition of Moldovan CSOs and media organizations further state that several voters were unable to exercise their right to vote; the election campaigns was marked by hate speech and disinformation, as well as an unbalanced media coverage.

Moldova's presidential election runoff this weekend had a high voter engagement. During voting day, certain polling stations abroad ran out of ballots and thus did not allow voters to cast their vote. Organized transportation of voters from Transnistria and intimidation of election observers was also again present during the second round of the election. Promo-LEX’s parallel vote count largely correlated with the official results announced by the CEC and the vote count was conducted in a quick and calm manner.

In general, OPORA observers state that no significant violations were recorded that would affect the election results. Several organizational issues in the work of territorial election commissions (TECs), such as issues with the transfer of ballots to precinct election commissions (PECs) and political involvement of election commission members in the TECs’ activities, were noted. 

15 ноября, на 99-й день протестов в Минске и других городах Беларуси проходили акции в память убитого активиста 31-летнего Романа Бондаренко. По данным правозащитников по состоянию на 10 часов в разных городах было задержано более 1 170 человек. Больше всего - в Минске, Новополоцке, Гродно, Бресте.

Second rounds of the presidential election in Moldova and run-off mayoral elections in Ukraine are taking place this Sunday, 15 November. Promo-LEX (Moldova), Committee of Voters of Ukraine and Civil Network OPORA (Ukraine) will be conducting election day observations and share observation findings during several press conferences around election day, which will be live streamed with translation. Here a schedule of all press conferences and links to all live-streams.

The presidential election result in Moldova was greatly influenced by voters living outside of the Republic of Moldova, with two completely divergent election results emerged from this voter group, with voters in Transnistria overwhelmingly supporting Igor Dodon (74,24%), while only 4% of diaspora abroad voted for the incumbent. The run-off campaign was overshadowed by an unprecedented smear and disinformation campaign against Maya Sandu, and anti-civil society campaigns were also launched.

Ahead of this Sunday’s run-off presidential election in Moldova, Promo-LEX observers underline the lack of explicit and exhaustive legal provisions in the Electoral Code to regulate the conduct of the second round of elections. Promo-LEX recorded cases of misuse of state resources, involvement of religious groups in election campaigning, use of undeclared finances, and violations against anti-COVID restrictions during campaigning.

В преддверии второго тура президентских выборов в Молдове, Promo-LEX зафиксировал случаи злоупотребления государственными ресурсами, вовлечения религиозных групп в предвыборную агитацию, использования незадекларированных финансовых средств, а также нарушения анти-COVID ограничений во время предвыборной агитации.

As the second round of local elections in Ukraine are taking place while a quarantine order is in place, Committee of Voters of Ukraine (CVU) warns that this may impact voter turnout. CVU requests that local authorities should inspect the readiness of polling stations before E-Day to avoid the errors and irregularities recorded during the 1st round of elections and that the CEC should intervene and determine the results in communities where results have not been declared.

In our latest policy alert, we analyse how District Election Commissions failed to adequately respond to the substantive violations detected in the summary protocols aggravating public distrust over the electoral process. This, and other recorded violations sparked a public outcry calling for the resignation of the Chairman of the Central Election Commission and snap elections. Amidst these developments the Georgian authorities have unlawfully dispersed crowds using water cannons, amounting to an excessive use of force.

Закарпаття має все, щоби бути локомотивом налагодження співпраці України з європейськими сусідами. В області – міжнародні кордони, а також давні ділові та особисті зв’язки з іноземними партнерами. Однак ці обставини поки не стали однозначними факторами розвитку Закарпаття. Радше, породили проблему. Жителі регіону лояльні до виїзду за кордон для тимчасового чи постійного працевлаштування.

Run-offs for Ukraine's local elections will be held 15 and 22 November. These include several mayoral elections and elections for city council seats in 50 communities. Some results from the first round are still pending, which will determine if further second rounds will need to be held. Here we have collected information on all scheduled run-off elections so far. 

Immediately after the parliamentary elections were finished, due to imbalance and overwritten data in summary protocols, ISFED applied to 44 DECs requesting revision of voting results at 162 PECs (recount of results). Majority of the complaints were rejected as baseless or left without consideration on the grounds that they were filed by unauthorized individuals. Among 162 PECs where results were challenged, DECs recounted election materials only at 10 PECS.

Ahead of this weekend’s run-off between incumbent President Dodon and Maia Sandu for the presidency, Promo-LEX published its final report on the conduct of the first round of the presidential election in Moldova. Promo-LEX’s parallel vote tabulation and analysis of almost all Vote Counting Protocols across Moldova do not show any significant discrepancies with the official data reported by the Central Election Commission. However, Promo-LEX expresses its concern over several recorded incidents.

Ahead of this weekend’s run-off between incumbent President Dodon and Maia Sandu for the presidency, Promo-LEX published its final report on the conduct of the first round of the presidential election in Moldova. Promo-LEX’s parallel vote tabulation and analysis of almost all Vote Counting Protocols across Moldova do not show any significant discrepancies with the official data reported by the Central Election Commission. However, Promo-LEX expresses its concern over several recorded incidents.

Молодь необхідна містам не лише як кадровий резерв для локальних виробництв чи установ на майбутнє. Інколи аполітичні чи слабко інтегровані у суспільне життя юні люди можуть здаватися байдужими до проблем населених пунктів. Але часто, незважаючи на свій вік, вони краще усвідомлюють великі та малі потреби міст і бачать точки, на яких ті можуть базувати свій розвиток. Для реалізації ідей молодіжним спільнотам щоразу необхідно демонструвати їхні громадянські можливості. Тому в містах Приазов’я підтримують суспільні ініціативи молоді.

Українське Приазов’я володіє одразу кількома факторами стабільного економічного розвитку. Однак чимало об’єктивних і суб’єктивних причин не дають вповні їх розкрити та будувати довготривалі прогнози розвитку. Найголовнішою обставиною стримування є агресія Росії, іншим же важливим фактором, який може негативно позначитися на зростанні міст і територій півдня Донеччини та Запоріжжя, є однобічність планування їхноьго розвитку. Один із найпроблемніших секторів у цьому контексті — розвиток громадянського суспільства на локальному рівні. Тому Київський Діалог запропонував містам півдня Донецької та Запорізької областей навчальну програму із молодіжної політики.

Over the past month, authorities continued to routinely prosecute citizens for political reasons. There are 101 political prisoners at the moment, and the number continues to increase. The total number of people targeted by criminal cases in the election and post-election period is more than 700 people. The total number of persons detained for participating in peaceful assemblies since the beginning of the election campaign is over 16,000.

В течение месяца власти продолжали активно применять уголовное преследование граждан по политическим мотивам. В местах несвободы находятся 101 политзаключенный, их количество продолжает увеличиваться. Общее же количество граждан, в отношении которых были возбуждены уголовные дела в избирательный и пост-избирательный период, составило более 700 человек.

Parliamentary elections are taking place in Georgia this Saturday, 31 October, and presidential elections in Moldova - this Sunday, 1 November. ISFED (Georgia) and Promo-LEX (Moldova) will be conducting election day observations and share observation findings during several press conferences around election day, which will be live streamed with English and Russian (for Moldova only) translation. Here a schedule of all press conferences and links to all live-streams. 

ISFED reports that the voting process took place mostly in compliance with the rules prescribed by the law in the majority of polling stations across Georgia. However, the secrecy of vote, inking, casting of lots, COVID-19 regulations and other procedural violations remained problematic. Instances pf physical violence and attacks against media representatives at some polling stations and in the vicinity was extremely problematic.

В заключительном отчете по мониторингу перед президентскими выборами в это воскресенье, 1 ноября, Promo-LEX сообщает о неправомерном использовании государственных ресурсов, запугивании и наличии ненавистнических высказываний и подстрекательстве к дискриминации в сообщениях претендентов, предвыборных подарках, а также о вовлечении религиозных групп в предвыборную кампанию кандидата. Наблюдатели Promo-LEX также обнаружили в списках избирателей умерших людей и неправильные адреса.

В заключительном отчете по мониторингу перед президентскими выборами в это воскресенье, 1 ноября, Promo-LEX сообщает о неправомерном использовании государственных ресурсов, запугивании и наличии ненавистнических высказываний и подстрекательстве к дискриминации в сообщениях претендентов, предвыборных подарках, а также о вовлечении религиозных групп в предвыборную кампанию кандидата. Наблюдатели Promo-LEX также обнаружили в списках избирателей умерших людей и неправильные адреса.

In the final monitoring report before presidential elections on this Sunday, 1 November, Promo-LEX reports on misuse of state resources, intimidation and presence of hate speech and incitement to discrimination in the contenders’ messages, electoral gifts, as well as the involvement of religious groups in the election campaign of a candidate. Promo-LEX observers also found deceased persons and wrong addresses in voter lists.

Из всей оппозиции меры поддержали только "Зеленые"

Он продлиться со 2 ноября до конца месяца

Им станет правый экстремист Ханс-Кристоф Берндт

Ее деятельность квалифицировали как государственную измену

Левые активисты критикуют левых за отсутствие критики исламизма

Этот термин сегодня считается неуместным в науке

По его словам, ислам нельзя согласовать с конституцией ФРГ

Этот флаг зачастую спользуют правые экстремисты

Он поставил Шредера в один ряд с российскими олигархами

Лидером пропаганды антиковидчиков стал врач Бодо Шиффманн

МИД Украины отозвало патронат над Германо-украинской комиссией историков

Выборы были успешными для партий die Grünen и CDU

Политик заявил, что отделение AfD в Шлезвиг-Гольштейне стало слишком радикальным

Georgia’s 2020 Parliamentary pre-election period is marked with high polarization amid constantly emerging allegations of physical violence and intimidation against political party candidates and its supporters. Orchestrated attacks include threats against journalists, who are being unlawfully prevented from doing their job, and intimidation of female candidates disproportionately targeted based on their gender.

Georgia’s 2020 Parliamentary pre-election period is marked with high polarization amid constantly emerging allegations of physical violence and intimidation against political party candidates and its supporters. Orchestrated attacks include threats against journalists, who are being unlawfully prevented from doing their job, and intimidation of female candidates disproportionately targeted based on their gender.

Ahead of the presidential election in Moldova, election observers have again called on the CEC to ensure that video observation of polling stations will be operational on the whole of Election Day. Due to continued restricted travel and other anti-COVID restrictions in place, it is impossible to conduct a full observation of all polling stations domestically or abroad, which has prompted a renewed debate about video cameras in polling stations to ensure the transparency of elections.

Opora reports that according to preliminary results, local elections were highly competitive and generally complied with legislation. Violations were specific to certain communities and could have an impact on the results there but were not centrally planned. However, massive violations and incidents of non-compliance of election and campaign procedures, attempts to bribe voters, misuse of administrative resources, and abuse of the procedure for changing one’s electoral address have been recorded.

The Committee of Voters of Ukraine reports that the most serious problem by the end of voting yesterday was voter bribery. Bribing of voters to change their address to vote in a specific constituency was also reported, as well as instances of bussing voters to constituencies. The second major problem of Election Day were instances of falsifying the vote, including instances where voters were forced to vote, ballots went missing, or ballot papers having already been filled in before being issued to voters.

The upcoming local elections in Ukraine will take place in a very challenging context: newly introduced electoral legislation with little time for participants in the election to familiarize themselves with it, lacking clarity on COVID19 measures and funding for equipment may pose a threat to the election process, cancelled elections in constituencies in Donetsk and Luhansk have left voters disenfranchised. For President Zelensky, this election is key to win back some popular support lost since his election.

The Committee of Voters of Ukraine (CVU) presented results of its long-term monitoring two days before the local elections. Main issues identified were use of shadow funds; black PR and violence against candidates; electoral tourism; lack of state funding for personal protective equipment of precinct election commission members. CVU also recommended that voters decide before going to the polling station who they wish to vote for to reduce the time spent there.

The Committee of Voters of Ukraine (CVU) presented results of its long-term monitoring two days before the local elections. Main issues identified were use of shadow funds; black PR and violence against candidates; electoral tourism; lack of state funding for personal protective equipment of precinct election commission members. CVU also recommended that voters decide before going to the polling station who they wish to vote for to reduce the time spent there.

Organizations in Georgia have raised concern over the epidemiological situation ahead of next week’s parliamentary elections and call on the government to expand the Crisis Council, which should allow all important actors related to the elections to participate; develop a plan to manage COVID outbreak; to define a number of people infected that would trigger calling a state of emergency, postponing of elections, and imposing of restrictions.

An investigation initiated by OPORA, the Digital Security Lab (Ukraine), and the International Centre for Defence and Security (Estonia) discovered that Emails by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to the European Solidarity party were in fact fake emails sent by Russian-origin offenders imitating the SBU, trying to publicly discredit the SBU, which represents probable evidence of Russia's interference in the election process in Ukraine.

Civil Network OPORA and Committee of Voters of Ukraine will live-stream press conferences around the local elections this weekend, starting on Friday 23 October and followed by press conferences after E-Day on Monday 26 October. English summaries of the press conferences will be published on EPDE's website and social media pages. More information on how and where to follow these press conferences live (in Ukrainian) available here.

Харківщина — один із економічно найпотужніших регіонів України й чимало іноземних інвесторів та донорів приваблює рівень розвитку регіону та його центру. Однак стабільно високі економічні показники Харківської області не приводять до рівномірного інфраструктурного поступу її територій. Найбільший дисбаланс виявляється у тому, яку участь у трансформації міської інфраструктури беруть жителі Харкова та районних центрів. У місті громада — подекуди безуспішно — намагається впливати на рішення влади про облаштування публічних просторів. А в райцентрах такі ініціативи є рідкістю. Тож Київський Діалог 2019 року запропонував малим містам Харківської області навчальну програму з розвитку міських просторів і «третіх місць».

Two weeks ahead of the presidential election, Promo-LEX reports increasingly more cases that can qualify as use of administrative resources, and an increase by 2.6 times in cases involving hate speech and incitement to discrimination. During the monitoring period (30 September – 13 October), there has been an upsurge in electoral events, as well as in cases where the restrictions imposed by the Extraordinary Territorial Commissions of Public Health were not observed.

Two weeks ahead of the presidential election, Promo-LEX reports increasingly more cases that can qualify as use of administrative resources, and an increase by 2.6 times in cases involving hate speech and incitement to discrimination. During the monitoring period (30 September – 13 October), there has been an upsurge in electoral events, as well as in cases where the restrictions imposed by the Extraordinary Territorial Commissions of Public Health were not observed.

До президентских выборов в Молдове осталось чуть больше двух недель. В четверг, 15 октября, в 09:30 по центрально-европейскому времени Promo-LEX представит свой 4-й промежуточный отчет о президентской избирательной кампании. Прямая трансляция пресс-конференции будет доступна на канале Promo-LEX в Youtube с русским переводом.

In this statement, the Committee of Voters of Ukraine (CVU) raises concerns over President Zelenskii's initiative on holding an all-country poll on the voting day of the October 25 regular local elections. The Electoral Code does not currently stipulate procedures for the conduct of such a poll on E-Day. The election is in 12 days, which means there is not enough time to prepare polls and CVU states that this could be considered manipulative and an attempt to influence the voting results.

Жителі малих міст рідко задоволені інфраструктурою, зокрема громадськими просторами. Звісно, за обсягами ресурсів на облаштування публічних місць районні центри суттєво поступаються обласним. Але приклади малих міст, де все ж створюють нові парки, майданчики чи виставки, свідчать, що часто цей процес не вимагає значних коштів. Радше йому бракує послідовного управління та ідей. І якщо рішення фінансувати такі проєкти може самостійно ухвалити місцева влада, то їхній успішний дизайн та реалізацію складно уявити без громадськості. У малих містах Миколаївщини до цього процесу намагаються залучати різні групи.

Щороку в дедалі більшій кількості українських міст запроваджують інструменти, що дозволяють громаді брати участь у роботі органів місцевого самоврядування. Таким чином у дієвців з різних куточків країни з’являються приклади для наслідування та готові механізми. Але просте перенесення практик одних на вирішення потреб інших зазвичай не дає результату. Наприклад, малі міста часто не мають достатнього досвіду для запровадження чи налагодження роботи таких інструментів за прикладом колег. На Львівщині Київський Діалог запропонував їм підтримку.

Ukrainian civil society organizations released a joint statement calling on the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance to issue urgent guidance regarding COVID19 measures for local elections. This statement raises critical issues that need to be resolved in order for local authorities to know what needs to be procured and how to fund this procurement to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during the elections.

ISFED stated in their fourth monitoring report of the election campaign that intimidation, harassment, and interference with participants in the election remain to be the greatest challenge. Unauthorized individuals have participated in election campaigning and possible cases of use of administrative resources and vote-buying have been identified. During the formation of PECs ISFED observed that these were done mostly pro forma and opposition requests were ignored.  

Human rights organizations in Belarus renew their call to release political prisoners and stop repression against citizens as 20 more people have become political prisoners in the country.

Continuous amendments to the Election Code during an ongoing election go against Venice Commission recommendations and cause legal uncertainty for the local elections in Ukraine. Illegal campaigning was recorded as the most common electoral misconduct in the past month and unclear explanations by the Central Election Commission on new procedures may cause confusion and threaten the election result. More on this in OPORA's second interim monitoring report of the local elections. 

Viasna notes in this latest report on the human rights situation in Belarus that there has been an intensification of repression and further aggravation of the human rights crisis in the country. During the past month, representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs detained at least 3,500 people for participating in demonstrations, of which at least 2,700 were taken to detention centers.

Образование избирательных участков за рубежом (за пределами дипломатических представительств) – спорный процесс, осуществленный в отсутствие публичных консультаций, но с применением впервые четкого механизма определения их количества и местонахождения. Promo-LEX обсудил этот и многие другие аспекты предвыборной кампании в своем третьем докладе. 

The process of setting up polling stations (PS) abroad (outside of diplomatic mission premises) was contested and conducted without any public consultations, but now, for the first time, this was based on a clear mechanism for establishing the PS' number and location. The formula used to determine PS abroad is based on a recommendation by election observers and civil society. Promo-LEX discussed this and many other aspects of the election campaign in their third interim report.

Research by OPORA discovered that 345 thousand dollars (9,7 million hryvnias) was spent on political ads in the Ukrainian segment of Facebook in the first two weeks of September in the local election campaign in Ukraine. Most spending was done by political party pages. Mayoral candidates used social media promotion very actively.

On September 29, the Maladziečna District Court sentenced Uladzislau Yeustsihneyeu and Pavel Piaskou to 36 and 39 months in prison, respectively, finding them guilty under Part 2 of Art. 363 of the Criminal Code for resisting riot police officers with violence during the detention of peaceful protesters at a rally on June 19. Belarusian human rights organizations consider Yeustsihneyeu and Piaskou political prisoners.

Как в Германии политики поддерживают российскую пропаганду, чтобы подрывать доверие к собственному государству, и почему это не работает все хуже и хуже

Якнайбільше користі від наявних можливостей — так можна охарактеризувати Черкащину. Цей регіон позбавлений багатьох економічних здобутків минулого та переваг, якими володіють чимало інших областей України. Однак жителі області загалом демонструють великий потенціал до самоорганізації та втілення власних ініціатив. І, як відомо, для забезпечення сталого розвитку необхідні активні громадяни, тож Київський Діалог запропонував малим містам Черкащини навчальну програму з інструментів громадської участі.

Співробітництво з громадою робить рішення міської влади дієвішими. Так влада спирається на дійсні запити жителів і отримує попереднє схвалення. Так громадяни беруть на себе частину відповідальності за розвиток міст. Але досвіду такого партнерства не мають більшість міст України, особливо якщо йдеться про малі населені пункти. Як з індивідуальної громадської ініціативи розбудувати сталу участь жителів у розвитку міст? Власні кроки до цього роблять на Черкащині.

На них работали нелегалы из Украины и Беларуси

Были проведены обыски в 24 квартирах и офисах Баварии

Эта награда за «выдающийся вклад для общественности»

Integrationsrat избирают жители Германии с миграционными корнями

Среди контента в группах были фотографии Адольфа Гитлера

Звезда маркирует гендерное разнообразие

Эта неожиданная акция образовала ситуативное большинство

Письма с патронными гильзми получали  Хорст Зеехофер и Винфрид Кречманн

Сдвиг общественного мнения произошел после отравления Алексея Навального

Причина: выдворение жителей из незаконно заселенных домов и джентрификация

Это постановила прокуратура Берлина

Это связано с "набегом на Рейхстаг" правых радикалов

On November 1, 2020 Moldova will hold the first round of presidential elections. Like in 2016, the final election results will considerably depend on the voting of two groups of constituents – Moldovan diaspora and Moldovan citizens residing in the Transnistrian region. The undue increase of polling stations especially in the Russian Federation, as proposed recently by the Central Election Commission, raises concerns over its independence.

Теперь не будет приза за лучшую мужскую и женскую роли

После чего политика AfD увезли в больницу

По словам Лаврова, Германия совершила 75 хакерских атак на 50 российских госучреждений

Выборы в бундестаг пройдут в 2021 году

Вечером 23 сентября в разных городах Беларуси люди вышли на акции протеста против инаугурации Александра Лукашенко, которая прошла днем. Вскоре начались задержания в Минске, Бресте, Могилеве, Гомеле и других городах страны. Многих задержанных избивали дубинками, что приводило к травмам головы. Несколько протестующих были госпитализированы после их жестокого задержания. 

Mеру объяснили фейком о коронавирусе на странице

Таковы результаты опроса института YouGov

The 2015 Constitution promised that Armenia would move toward a fully proportional parliamentary model. However, a number of other provisions serve to distort the translation of votes to seats in practice. They include provisions for various bonus seats and the exclusion of political parties from campaigning if no government can be formed and a “second round” vote is held. 

Как сообщает "Вясна", в Беларуси заведено более 250 уголовных дел в отношении участников президентских выборов, мирных протестующих и блоггеров. В этом отчете разъясняются самые распространенные статьи Уголовного кодекса, по которым были возбуждены уголовные дела. "Весна" собирает сведения о людях, чье уголовное преследование связано с событиями избирательной кампании и после нее.

EMDS issued a briefing document analyzing the measures taken by the state with regards to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in Azerbaijan and the implementation of quarantine rules. This report describes the new political situation in the country in light of increasing political persecution during the quarantine period.

Координаторка Волонтерской службы ПЦ ”Весна" Марфа Рабкова была задержана 17 сентября. Представители белорусских правозащитных организаций заявляют о признании правозащитницы Марфы Рабковой политической заключенной и требуют немедленно освободить ее и прекратить уголовное преследование в отношении нее, членов ПЦ ”Весна " и всех белорусских правозащитников.

Вигідне географічне положення, висока економічна конкурентоздатність та масштабна співпраця з іноземними партнерами у різних сферах — це все вирізняє Одещину з-поміж багатьох інших областей України. Водночас у містах регіону найчастіше бракує конструктивної співпраці між владою та громадою. Це впливає на збалансований розвиток його територій і заважає використовувати багатий потенціал. Київський Діалог запропонував низці міст Одещини електронні сервіси Smart City для налагодження такої співпраці.

A volunteer coordinator of EPDE’s member organization, the Human Rights Center “Viasna”, as well as her husband were detained yesterday over charges of causing mass riots. Meanwhile, her husband has been released. There is a growing pressure on civil society in the country as authorities' repressions continue. Human rights organizations as well as the European Parliament and UN experts call for a cessation of violence by authorities against protestors and for the release of now over 80 political prisoners in the country.

On 18 September, EPDE co-hosted an online debate with Democracy Reporting International inviting a dozen constitutional experts from Belarus and beyond to discuss the country’s constitution.

В выборах бургомистра саксонского города Хемница участвуют два правых политика, которые известны недемократическим поведением и связями с Россией

Наблюдательная миссия Promo-LEX представила сегодня Доклад № 2 по наблюдению за выборами. Среди основных наблюдений числятся неравномерный рост числа избирателей, неравенство возможностей для потенциальных конкурентов на выборах, а также некоторых категорий избирателей, неучтенные расходы на сумму не менее 735 021 лея, а также взятие конкурентами на себя заслуг за мероприятия, реализованные за публичные средства.

Наблюдательная миссия Promo-LEX представила сегодня Доклад № 2 по наблюдению за выборами. Среди основных наблюдений числятся неравномерный рост числа избирателей, неравенство возможностей для потенциальных конкурентов на выборах, а также некоторых категорий избирателей, неучтенные расходы на сумму не менее 735 021 лея, а также взятие конкурентами на себя заслуг за мероприятия, реализованные за публичные средства.

Several CSOs have sent a letter of concern to the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) regarding the re-allocation of a vacant seat on their Board of Governors to the far-right I&D group in the European Parliament. Several members of this group have participated in politically biased election observation and other activities disrupting democratisation in the EaP. We call to keep this seat vacant or to re-allocate it to any other political group that better represents the goals and objectives of the EED.

According to ISFED, signs of possible vote buying and use of administrative resources during the reporting period continues to be the main challenge of the election environment. ISFED found use of administrative resources in involvement of the ruling party’s majoritarian candidates in events funded by the State and local budgets. It appears that the ruling Georgian Dream party is trying to use all available administrative resources for electoral purposes.

Last weekend’s regional and local elections in Russia represented a final rehearsal ahead of next year’s federal parliamentary elections. This was also the last election to be managed by the acting composition of the Russian Central Election Commission (CEC) and its chairperson, Ella Pamfilova, whose term in office is to expire in March next year. According to independent election observers, the elections displayed two strongly conflicting trends.

Сервіси Smart City вимагають не таких значних ресурсів для запровадження та обслуговування порівняно із рішеннями в більшості сфер локального господарства і життя. Вони роблять простір міста і комунікацію з владою комфортнішими для жителів. Але вони ж змушують органи місцевого самоврядування постійно вдосконалюватися, ставати прозорішими, радитися з громадою та делегувати їй повноваження. На жаль, керівництво багатьох населених пунктів не готове на такі поступки. Деякі міста Донеччини спробували зрозуміти, чому від запровадження SmartCity виграють і влада, і громада.

EPDE ищет эксперта для проведения исследований и кампаний в поддержку работы ЕПДВ по защите честности и неподкупности избирателей. Эта работа будет включать изучение методов, направленных на то, чтобы обойти международную правовую практику мониторинга выборов, в частности, путем политически предвзятого наблюдения за выборами. 

EPDE seeks an international expert to regularly draft brief reports concerning elections and election related topics in Ukraine.

У зв’язку з місцевими виборами, які заплановані на 25 жовтня 2020 року, Київський Діалог заявляє

The regional and local elections scheduled on 13 September 2020 are to be the first major electoral campaign in Russia to take place following the passing of the Constitutional amendments and the introduction of the epidemiological restrictions. A total of 9071 campaigns are taking place incl. State Duma by-elections in four districts, elections of 18 regional heads (governors), 11 regional parliaments and 22 city councils in administrative centres. More than 78 thousand deputy mandates and elected positions are to be filled.

Analyzing the legal framework of the elections, domestic election experts conclude that the current legal conditions are the worst in the last 25 years. Recent changes to the electoral law on the federal level as well as short-term amendments to the regional election campaign regulations have been introduced to further restrict the electoral rights of citizens, limit the opportunities for citizen election observers and the overall public control over elections.

Протягом липня-серпня спеціалісти ГО «Центр допомоги молоді “Твоя перемога”» в рамках конкурсу малих ґрантів проєкту Київський Діалог займалися арт-терапією з дітьми Слов’янська і району. Є час працювати, а є час дивитися на плоди своєї праці. 

Дитмар Шульмайстер, заместитель председателя Землячества немцев из России, объясняет основы мигрантского самоуправления

The absolutely illegal approaches demonstrated by the Belarusian secret services and the threats of physical violence against opposition figures such as Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Volha Kavalkova, and now Maryia Kalesnikava further emphasize the political and illegal nature of their persecution. Representatives of Belarusian human rights organizations, consider Maryia Kalesnikava, Maksim Znak and Illia Salei political prisoners and call for their immediate release.

Several CSOs have sent a letter of concern to the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) regarding the offer of a seat on their Board of Governors to a member of the far-right political group in the European Parliament. Several members of this group have participated in politically biased election observation and other activities disrupting democratisation in the EaP. We call for a reconsideration in granting this seat to this group and that this seat be re-allocated to any political group that respects European values.

Promo-LEX выпустил свой первый отчет о наблюдении за выборами президента, которые пройдут 1 ноября 2020 года. В них сообщается следующее в предвыборный период - политический трасеизм, в частности, в рамках парламентских политических партий, остается характеристикой институциональной в недостаточной степени системы политических партий; отсутствие стабильного сформировавшегося парламентского большинства; влияние пандемического контекста на эффективность правительственной политики; включение в повестку дня геополитической проблематики.

Opora issued their first interim report of the pre-election campaign period for the local elections. These will be held under a new electoral code, which has important changes for this stage of the elections, such as that any form of gift above a certain value given to a citizen by a candidate’s campaign could be classified as voter bribery. Opora also criticizes the decision to not hold elections in certain constituencies of government-controlled Donetsk and Luhansk.

Am 1. September fand eine Online-Diskussion der Kyjiwer Gespräche statt: „Kyjiw statt Kiew. Muss das wirklich sein?“ Im Gespräch mit unserer Projektleiterin in Berlin Silke Hüper debattierten der ukrainische Schriftsteller Serhij Zhadan, die deutsche Politikerin Rebecca Harms (Die Grünen) und der Osteuropa-Historiker Wilfried Jilge über Sprache und Identität in der heutigen Ukraine, sowie über deren Wahrnehmung in Deutschland.

Im Frühjahr 2020 haben wir die Schreibweise unseres Projekts geändert: Aus den „Kiewer Gesprächen“ wurden die „Kyjiwer Gespräche“. Seitdem nutzen wir die Transliteration aus dem Ukrainischen, anstelle der aus dem Russischen. Darüber, was hinter dieser Änderung steht, sowie über die Rolle von Sprache und Identität in der heutigen Ukraine diskutieren in diesem Video der ukrainische Schriftsteller Serhij Zhadan, die deutsche Politikerin Rebecca Harms (Die Grünen, Mitglied der Europäischen Parlaments 2004-2019) und der Osteuropahistoriker Wilfried Jilge. Unsere Leiterin in Berlin Silke Hüper moderiert. Die Online-Diskussion wurde am 1.9.2020 aufgenommen. 

Viasna released their latest report on the human rights situation in Belarus. In the past month, more than 7,500 citizens were detained for participating in peaceful protests and currently there are 41 political prisoners in detention. The large number of detainees after Election Day overloaded the Interior Ministry’s system, which resulted in delays of several days in informing families about the whereabouts of detainees. Viasna recorded at least 500 cases of torture.

Управление госбезопасности утром задержало сопредседателя стачечного комитета "Беларуськалия" Анатолия Бокуна, он доставлен в Солигорский РОВД. Около 15.20 в Минске была задержана член Координационного совета Лилия Власова. Задержание осуществляли сотрудники Департамента финансовых расследований Комитета госконтроля. Об этом в своем телеграме сообщил другой член Совета Павел Латушко.

Liliya Ulasava, a famous mediator and a member of the presidium of the Coordination Council, has been arrested by officers of the Department for Financial Investigations, according to a Council member Maksim Znak. Ulasava was detained after coming to a district police department in Minsk to provide explanations about her alleged involvement in an illegal protest.

Committee of Voters of Ukraine (CVU) co-published this report with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung on how to organize elections safely during the pandemic with specific recommendations for the local elections in Ukraine.

Promo-LEX issued its first election observation report for the presidential election, which will be held on 1 November 2020. They report the following during the pre-election period - party switching, especially within parliamentary parties, indicating a lack of an institutionalized party system; a lack of a stable and constant parliamentary majority; a noticeable impact of the pandemic on the effectiveness of governmental policies; geopolitical issues feature in the electoral agenda.

В Минске и других городах Беларуси 26 августа продолжаются задержания участниках мирных акций протеста, пройдут суды над задержанными накануне гражданами. Более 50 человек было задержано за участие в массовых мероприятиях в Беларуси 25 августа.

Шматлікія палітыкі і эксперты выказаліся за ўдзел Арганізацыі па бяспецы і супрацоўніцтве ў Еўропе (АБСЕ) у вырашэнні крызісу ў Беларусі. Эндру Брус (сузаснавальнік DRI) і Майкл Мэер-Рэсендэ (выканаўчы дырэктар), якія абодва працавалі ў АБСЕ ў мінулым, пералічваюць, што арганізацыя можа зрабіць у дадзенай сітуацыі. АБСЕ можа зрабіць шмат карыснага і можа стаць адным з элементаў стратэгіі прадухілення гвалтоўных канфліктаў і вяртання дэмакратыі ў Беларусь.

Several persons detained during 25 August protests in Belarus have been sentenced to short terms in prison and fines. At least three protesters were sentenced to 8 to 10 days of detention for attending a demonstration on Independence Square. The outcome of five more trials is yet unknown.

Promo-LEX reports that the National Extraordinary Public Health Commission (NEPHC) disregarded the process of public consultation in drafting measures for preventing the spread of COVID-19 during the electoral period. Promo-LEX also criticizes that the NEPHC has exceeded its powers since the state of public health emergency has been declared only until August 31 and it is still unclear whether this will be extended, and that the proposed measures are too broad.

EPDE appreciates the latest developments with the United States, the European Union, and the Russian President Putin having called on the Belarusian government to accept the offer of OSCE Chief-in-Office Edi Rama and Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ann Linde to mediate the crisis with all stakeholders in the country. EPDE states that only a dialogue between all involved parties moderated through an institution such as the OSCE can open up a negotiation way out of the crisis now.

Ассоциация Promo-LEX обнародовала по реализации Стратегических планов Центральной избирательной комиссией (ЦИК) и Центром непрерывного образования в избирательной сфере (CICDE). Они достигли определенных успехов в реализации запланированных действий, но наряду с достижениями был отмечены и ряд недостатков.

In recent days there have been reports that officials from the President's Office in Ukraine insisted that members of the Central Election Commission resign. EPDE, OPORA, and CVU are concerned about such efforts by the President’s Office to threaten CEC members and interfere with the work of the CEC and call on authorities to refrain from exerting pressure on the CEC and ensure the independent and effective working of election management bodies.

Главы государств и правительств стран ЕС не признают результатов выборов президента Беларуси. Об этом 19 августа, заявила канцлер ФРГ Ангела Меркель по итогам чрезвычайного саммита в Брюсселе. Глава Европейского Совета Шарль Мишель подчеркнул, что результаты выборов не будут признаны. Кроме того, ЕС введет санкции против "значительного числа тех, кто ответственен за насилие в стране и фальсификацию на выборах". 

Правозащитный центр «Весна» собирает сведения о людях, в отношении которых были начаты уголовные дела после задержаний на акциях протеста, которые начались после выборов президента. По состоянию на 19 августа «Весне» известно более чем о 60 подозреваемых по таким делам в разных городах Беларуси.

В поддержку наблюдателей за выборами в Беларуси, где с момента проведения 9 августа президентских выборов было задержано не менее 150 наблюдателей, организации-члены EPDE выпустили несколько заявлений, призывающих прекратить продолжающееся насилие, освободить граждан и коллег, а также потребовать проведения свободных и справедливых выборов в стране.

The Committee of Voters of Ukraine calls on the authorities to stop putting pressure on the CEC and to refrain from actions that undermine the Commission's independence. On August 15, the CEC Chairman confirmed that those close to the President's Office had demanded voluntary dismissals from the CEC Chairman and individual members of the Commission. CVU believes that such actions undermine the independence of the CEC and are attempts of political interference in their activities.

ISFED identified 8 cases of alleged vote buying; cases of dismissal based on possible political motive in 5 municipalities; 5 cases of intimidation/harassment based on possible political motive; 2 cases of possible use of administrative resources; 2 cases of withholding social assistance based on possible political discrimination; 1 case of intimidation of ISFED observer; 1 case of interference in political activities and in pre-election campaigning by the Church; and 1 case of creating obstacles for registration of a political party.

Kyjiw oder Kiew? Ein russisch-ukrainischer Namensstreit    

Немецкие организации гражданского общества призывают положить конец насилию в Беларуси и предлагают начать обсуждение за круглым столом при посредничестве ОБСЕ для нахождения мирного решения ситуации в Беларуси.

Several German CSOs call to end violence in Belarus and suggest initiating a round table discussion with OSCE mediation to find a peaceful solution to the situation in Belarus. 

The Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections state in their preliminary report on the conduct of the presidential election that the electoral process at all of its stages did not comply with a number of basic international standards for democratic and fair elections and was accompanied by numerous violations of these principles and requirements of national legislation. Full report now available.

Following the presidential election on August 9 and the declaration of Lukashenka's victory, protests broke out across Belarus. They were dispersed violently by law enforcement agencies, resulting in numerous injuries, at least one casualty, and thousands of arrests. In this post-election edition Election Alert, we share the preliminary report and post E-Day statements of the Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections and of other election monitors and experts.

Наблюдательница кампании «Правозащитники за свободные выборы» Ирина Третьякова рассказала, как проходили фальсификации на выборах президента, а члены комиссий не подписывали итоговые протоколы. 

Human rights activists in Belarus have called this election campaign "the worst election ever" and stated that the institution of election observation was a main target of repressions by authorities. Read the full statement from their press conference here. 

Кампания "Правозащитники за свободные выборы” представила на пресс-конференции 10 августа отчет по промежуточным результатам наблюдения за президентскими выборами. Электоральную кампанию 2020 года правозащитники назвали ”худшей в Беларуси".

According to data collected by election observers and based on official protocols, early voting results have been massively falsified as the official turnout figure has been inflated twofold, at the very least. Election trend researchers estimate the early voting turnout to be closer to 24% (compared to the officially reported 41.7%). 

ISFED identified 34 pages on Facebook that display coordinated inauthentic behavior and are associated with the organization Alt-Info which spreads divisive narratives. Alt-Info is engaged in anti-liberal, anti-immigration, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-Western propaganda and was also closely monitored during the 2018 presidential election.

Thousands of people took to the streets to protest the official exit polls which awarded a landslide victory to the incumbent Aliaksandr Lukashenka. Riot police dispersed a series of post-election protests held in Minsk and other cities of Belarus using excessive violence. Several people were injured, one was killed. The total number of people detained yesterday is currently around 3,000 people, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. These include at least 55 election observers.

From the first days of early voting, observers from various civic initiatives faced obstacles from PEC members and police officers. Numerous observers were removed from polling stations, deprived of accreditation, and even detained. The restrictions imposed by the CEC on the number of observers at polling stations during early voting made this electoral phase completely non-transparent for independent citizen observation. These restrictions were aimed at disrupting independent observation of this stage, rather than pursuing the declared medical safety measures in connection with the pandemic.

On August 9, 2020, presidential elections take place in Belarus, in which the incumbent Aleksander Lukashenka is standing for the sixth time. Early voting took place from August 4 to August 8. Election observers complain about criminal and administrative prosecution of opposition politicians and their supporters, pressure on voters to cast their votes ahead of time and the massive restrictions on independent election observation.

8 августа 2020 г. закончилось досрочное голосование. Согласно официальным данным ЦИК в течение всех пяти дней досрочного голосования в нем приняло рекордное количество участников 41,7%. C первых дней досрочного голосования наблюдатели от различных общественных инициатив сталкивались с препятствиями в своей деятельности со стороны членов УИК и милиции. Также наблюдателями компании фиксировались случаи организованного, принудительного участия в досрочном голосовании некоторых категорий избирателей.

Предвыборная агитация проходила в неравных условиях: отказавшись от официальной агитации, действующий Президент максимально использовал административный и пропагандистский ресурс вертикали власти, провластных общественных организаций и СМИ. А принятые по инициативе А. Лукашенко меры поощрения в виде повышения пенсий, переноса на более ранний срок их выплаты, являются фактически подкупом избирателей и проявлением использования административного ресурса.

In their latest report Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections state that the election campaign took place in unequal conditions. By abandoning official campaigning, the incumbent made an extensive use of the administrative and propaganda resources of the power vertical, pro-government NGOs and the media. Moreover, the incentive measures taken on the initiative of the incumbent, including an increase in pension rates and their early payment, were in essence bribery of voters and manifestations of the use of administrative resources.

Der berühmte Streetart-Künstler Gamlet Zinkivskyi malt nur in sieben Tagen acht Kunstobjekte in Berdjansk. Sie sollen zeigen, dass die urbanen Räume neu gedacht werden können.

On August 4, early voting in the presidential election was launched to continue until August 8. According to “Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections”, most pro-government observers were registered immediately after the formation of the PECs in June. As a result, only observers from pro-government organisations and political parties will observe the election, administered by the election commissions, which mostly consist of the members representing the same organisations.

4 августа 2020 г. началось досрочное голосование на выборах Президента Республики Беларусь, которое будет происходить до 8 августа включительно. Большинство допущенных на участки наблюдателей представлены прогосударственными общественными объединениями и были зарегистрированы сразу после образования УИК 24-25 июня.

President Lukashenko has tried to play down the upcoming election as an unnecessary distraction from business, but an active social media movement has shown that the public is no longer prepared to go along with an alternate reality. Here you can read the findings of the interim report, produced by MEMO 98, EAST Center and Linking Media, which examines media and social media in Belarus from the end of April until 23rd June.

Civil Network OPORA analyzed political advertising on Facebook and Instagram and found that for the month of July, MP Mykola Tishchenko, Chairperson of the Kyiv city branch of the Servant of the People Party, spent more on advertising in this month than OPORA observed in any previous month since starting their social media monitoring at the beginning of 2020 – more than $15 000. To find out who else invested significantly in social media advertising, read OPORA’s report here.

Избирательная кампания характеризуется значительным повышением гражданской активности избирателей, активизацией представителей различных социальных групп. В то же время белорусские власти демонстрируют стремление контролировать ситуацию, используют административный и пропагандистский ресурс,
государственные СМИ, провластные общественные организации, вследствие чего предвыборная агитация идет в неравных условиях.

Здание представительства забросали камнями и бутылками с краской

За то, что "Reichsbahn", увозя людей на смерть, брал за это деньги с них самих

Из тех, кого подключали к ИВЛ, умер каждый второй

Подозреваемые - тихая семейная пара из Баварии