WANA (Jan 29) – A delegation from Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly met with Igor Karpenko, the head of Belarus’ Central Election Commission, to discuss the ongoing presidential election process in Belarus.

 

The delegation, which included Ali Asghar Bagherzadeh and Ali Keshvari, the president and vice president of the Iran-Belarus Parliamentary Friendship Group, visited Belarus as international election observers. They were received by Karpenko at the Central Election Commission’s headquarters.

 

During the meeting, Bagherzadeh emphasized the growing relations between Iran and Belarus across various sectors, highlighting the Iranian delegation’s presence at the presidential election as a testament to this expanding cooperation.

 

He noted that the involvement of 480 international observers reflects Belarus’ commitment to holding transparent elections. Bagherzadeh also praised the high voter turnout, calling it a strong support for the Belarusian government.

 

Keshvari, in his remarks, compared the electoral processes in Belarus and Iran. He explained that while Belarus allows for early voting, elections in Iran take place on a single day. Keshvari also pointed out the strong voter participation and orderliness across polling stations, emphasizing that such engagement is key to the development and success of the nation.

 

Furthermore, Keshvari addressed the issue of international recognition of Belarus’ elections, asserting that every sovereign nation has the right to hold free and independent elections to ensure its goals and sovereignty. He added that Belarus is following its own independent path despite Western reluctance to recognize the election results.

 

Karpenko, for his part, expressed gratitude for the Iranian delegation’s visit, noting that it marked the first time Iranian representatives participated in the presidential election observation process in Belarus. He said that this development opens a new chapter in bilateral relations, particularly in international election monitoring, and thanked Iran, particularly its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for sending the delegation.