The electoral system in Belarus is more open than in some West-European countries, Deputy Chairman of the Tula Oblast Duma, CIS observer Sergei Kondratenko said.

Speaking about the reasons for OSCE/ODIHR’s usually negative assessment of the elections in Russia and Belarus, the politician stated that it happens due to both subjective reasons and the fact that the electoral systems in Belarus and Russia are more open than in some countries of Western Europe. “Those negative emotions against Belarus are unjustified. Many western states should learn from this country how to conduct election campaigns,” he stressed.

At the same time Sergei Kondratenko is confident that the presence of election observers from different structures helps the election system develop. “We have nothing to hide. People vote with an open heart,” he added.