Voting Abroad: Can Embassies Help?

The U.S. Embassy in Belarus does not provide information on whether it is possible to vote through the Belarus Embassy. However, the U.S. Embassy in Belarus has been involved in monitoring elections in Belarus, such as the 2020 presidential election and the 2024 parliamentary elections. The U.S. has expressed concern about the conduct of these elections, stating that they were not free and fair due to severe restrictions on ballot access for candidates, prohibition of local independent observers, intimidation tactics, and the detention of peaceful protesters and journalists. The U.S. has also urged the Belarusian government to respect the rights of its citizens to participate in peaceful assembly and to release those wrongfully detained.

Voting in Belarus parliamentary elections

History of US-Belarus Relations

The United States and Belarus established diplomatic relations in 1991, and the US recognised the independence of the Republic of Belarus. The US Embassy in Minsk opened in 1992, and relations between the two countries initially seemed positive.

Voting Process

Belarusian citizens living abroad have historically faced challenges when it comes to voting in parliamentary elections. In the 2024 elections, for instance, the only option for those living outside of Belarus was to return home, which, given the political climate, posed a threat of reprisal. This effectively disenfranchised hundreds of thousands of Belarusian expatriates.

The US has expressed concerns over the fairness of the voting process in Belarus, with the 2020 presidential election marred by severe restrictions on ballot access for candidates, intimidation of opposition candidates, and the detention of peaceful protesters and journalists. The US Embassy in Belarus has also noted issues with respect to human rights, freedom of expression, and the suppression of peaceful assembly.

Current Travel Advisory

It is important to note that, as of November 2024, the US has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory for Belarus, recommending that US citizens do not travel to the country due to the unpredictable situation and heightened tensions in the region. This advisory also highlights the potential for harassment specifically targeted at foreigners.

Visa Requirements

For those who wish to travel to Belarus, including for the purpose of voting, a visa is required. This must be obtained from a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate overseas. The visa application process typically involves submitting specific documents, including a completed visa application form, photographs, a foreign travel document, and visa support documents. The application process usually takes around 5 working days.

In conclusion, voting in Belarus parliamentary elections is a complex issue, with the US raising concerns over the fairness and transparency of the process. For those considering travel to Belarus for voting or other purposes, it is important to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and visa requirements.

Voting in Belarus presidential elections

Voting in Belarus' Presidential Elections

Voting in a foreign country can be a complicated process, and Belarus is no exception. Here is a guide to help you navigate the process of voting in the Belarus presidential elections.

Voting as a Foreign Citizen in Belarus

If you are a foreign citizen in Belarus and wish to vote in your home country's elections, you will need to check with your country's embassy or consulate in Belarus. Each country has its own rules and procedures for overseas voting, and the embassy or consulate will be able to provide you with the necessary information. It is important to start this process well in advance of the election, as there may be registration or other requirements that need to be completed beforehand.

For example, American citizens located in or planning to travel to Belarus are advised against doing so due to the unpredictable situation and heightened tensions in the region. However, if you are an American citizen in Belarus and wish to vote in the US elections, you can refer to the US Embassy in Belarus for guidance. The US Embassy in Belarus provides information on its website about voting procedures for US citizens abroad, including voter registration, absentee ballots, and more.

Voting in the Belarusian Presidential Elections as a Belarusian Citizen

Belarusian citizens who are living abroad and wish to vote in the Belarusian presidential elections may face some challenges. In the 2020 presidential election, hundreds of thousands of Belarusians living abroad were effectively disenfranchised, as their only option to vote was to return to Belarus, with the threat of reprisal looming. This situation has led to widespread condemnation from other countries, including the United States, which has urged Belarus to respect the rights of its citizens to participate in free and fair elections.

It is important to stay informed about the latest voting procedures and requirements for Belarusian citizens living abroad. The official website of the Republic of Belarus and the websites of Belarusian embassies or consulates in your host country can provide valuable information on this topic. Additionally, you may need to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior or apply for an entry visa to Belarus if you plan to return to vote in person.

In conclusion, voting in the Belarus presidential elections as a foreign citizen or a Belarusian citizen living abroad can be a complex process. It is important to start the necessary procedures well in advance and stay informed about the latest requirements and recommendations from official sources.

Voting in Belarus as a foreigner

Voting in Belarus is open to citizens of the country who are over the age of 18. The country holds general elections, in which all votes are considered equal, and candidates run on an equal basis. The President and members of the House of Representatives are elected directly by the citizens, while members of the Council of the Republic are elected indirectly. The voting method is a secret ballot, and control over the expression of voters' will during the voting process is prohibited.

Foreign citizens do not have the right to vote in Belarus. However, foreigners who are permanent residents of Belarus and meet the eligibility criteria may be able to vote in some local elections. To be eligible to vote in local elections, foreign citizens must be permanent residents of Belarus and be registered at their place of residence. They must also have lived in the area where they are registered for a certain period, typically at least six months or a year.

The registration process for voters in Belarus is typically handled by the local election commissions, which are responsible for notifying voters of the time and place of voting. These commissions are also obliged to provide a possibility for individuals who are unable to come to the polling stations due to health or other valid reasons to participate in the voting process. This can be done by authorizing members of the commission to organize voting at the person's residence.

It is important to note that the electoral procedures in Belarus are established by the Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus, and the country has faced criticism from organizations such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for failing to meet international standards for democratic elections.

Voting in Belarus from the US

Voting in another country can be a complicated process, and Belarus is no exception. Here is a guide to help US citizens in the US vote in Belarusian elections.

Registration

US citizens staying in Belarus for more than five days need to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior. This includes visa holders and those entering under the 30-day visa-free regime. Registration must be completed within five days of arrival, excluding Sundays and national holidays. If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel will complete the registration for you. If you are staying in a private home, you must complete the registration yourself.

Voting Options

In the past, hundreds of thousands of Belarusians living abroad have been effectively disenfranchised, with their only option to vote being to return home. However, it may be possible to vote at the Belarusian Embassy in the US, or another designated location. It is recommended that you contact the Embassy of Belarus in the US to find out about any upcoming elections and how you can participate.

Travel to Belarus

US citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable, and there is heightened tension in the region. Potential harassment targeted at foreigners is also possible. Given this, US citizens are strongly advised against travelling to Belarus. If you do choose to travel to Belarus, you will need to obtain a visa from a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate overseas. Even with a visa, entry to Belarus over a land border is unlikely. Air travel between Belarus and the US is permitted, but a visa is required.

Human Rights Concerns

The US has expressed deep concern about the conduct of recent elections in Belarus, which were not considered free and fair. There have been severe restrictions on ballot access for candidates, prohibition of local independent observers at polling stations, intimidation tactics employed against opposition candidates, and the detention of peaceful protesters and journalists. The US has urged the Belarusian government to respect the rights of all Belarusians to participate in peaceful assembly, refrain from the use of force, and release those wrongfully detained.

Voting in Belarus from abroad

Voting in person from outside of Belarus is possible, but it may not always be practical. Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians living abroad have effectively been disenfranchised, as their only option to vote is to return home, with the threat of reprisal looming over them.

The U.S. Embassy in Belarus has condemned the country's "sham parliamentary and local elections", stating that, although people across the country headed to the polls to cast ballots, Belarusians had no real choice in the election. The authorities had pre-approved all candidates and liquidated all opposition parties. The elections took place in a tightly controlled climate of fear and repression, with freedom of expression and assembly suppressed.

The U.S. Department of State has designated the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw to process immigrant visas for residents of Belarus. However, the U.S. Embassy in Belarus does not process applications for refugee or asylum status in the United States. For this, applicants are referred to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for more information.

The U.S. Embassy in Minsk has suspended all routine visa services, including renewals, due to security and safety issues stemming from the attack by Russian military forces on Ukraine. The U.S. Embassy in Minsk is also unable to resume routine nonimmigrant visa services at this time. All nonimmigrant visa applicants must apply for a U.S. visa outside of Belarus.

Frequently asked questions