Belarussian election officials are facing scrutiny over the compensation structure for members of election commissions. Lidiya Ermoshina, the vice-chairman of the central Election Commission (CEC), recently shed light on the payment system, sparking debate about transparency adn fairness.
Ermoshina revealed that election commission members are compensated only for their time spent on duty days and the main election day. She further claimed that members of regional commissions receive double the salary compared to their counterparts in central commissions.
“In our country, the work of election commissions is now paid, but only for duty days at the commission and for the main day of the election,” Ermoshina stated in a project by the state agency BelTA.
“Territorial commissions are paid one level,” added the former head of the Central Electoral Commission.
While Ermoshina refrained from disclosing specific salary figures in her recent comments, she did provide some insight into the compensation structure back in 2019, before the parliamentary elections. At that time, she stated that a member of an election commission would receive 76 rubles for work on election day after taxes, while the net salary for chairmen of central commissions for 30 days of work was 880 rubles.
Interestingly, Ermoshina characterized elections in Belarus as an endeavor “that rests on the shoulders of enthusiasts,” raising questions about the adequacy of the compensation provided to those who play a crucial role in the democratic process.
Ermoshina’s comments have ignited discussions about the financial incentives for individuals participating in Belarussian elections. Critics argue that the current system may not adequately compensate for the time, effort, and obligation involved, potentially discouraging qualified individuals from serving on election commissions.
Belarus is gearing up for a presidential election in January 2025, and the projected cost has raised eyebrows. The Belarusian government’s proposed budget for 2025 allocates a staggering 54,145 million rubles for the election, a notable increase from the 34,056 million rubles earmarked for elections in 2024.
This significant jump in funding has sparked debate, notably considering recent revelations about the salaries of election officials. In 2018, the chairman of the Central Election commission in Minsk reportedly earned a monthly salary of “about 1,770 net rubles” for 60 days of work. “This is a lot of money,” the chairman remarked at the time.
By 2019, the salary for presidents of regional election commissions had also risen to “about 1,770 net rubles” for 60 days of work, according to Ermoshina.
the Belarusian government’s proposed budget, which was adopted in its second reading by the House of Representatives in December, outlines the significant increase in election spending. While the reasons behind this surge in funding remain unclear, it has fueled speculation about the scale and complexity of the upcoming election.
The Belarusian government has yet to provide a detailed clarification for the substantial increase in election funding. This lack of transparency has only intensified public scrutiny and raised questions about the potential implications for the fairness and integrity of the upcoming election.
## Belarusian Election Officials Face Scrutiny Over Commission Compensation
** Minsk, Belarus** – The compensation structure for members of Belarussian election commissions has come under intense scrutiny following recent comments by Lidiya Ermoshina, the vice-chairman of the central Election Commission (CEC).
Ermoshina’s revelation that commission members are only compensated for time spent on duty days and the main election day, coupled with the news that regional commission members recieve double the salary of central commission members, has sparked debate about transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Speaking in a project by the state agency BelTA, Ermoshina stated that, “In our country, the work of election commissions is now paid, but only for duty days at the commission and for the main day of the election.” She added,“Territorial commissions are paid one level.”
while Ermoshina declined to disclose specific salary figures, she did provide some insight into the compensation structure in 2019, prior to parliamentary elections. At that time, she indicated that a member of an election commission would receive 76 rubles for work on election day after taxes. It remains unclear how these figures translate to 2023.
**Expert Analysis: Transparency and Fairness Concerns
** To delve deeper into the implications of this compensation structure, World Today News spoke with Dr. Alexander Kolchenko, a prominent expert on Belarusian politics and elections at the warsaw-based Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA).
**World Today News:** Dr. Kolchenko, what are your initial thoughts on the revelations regarding the compensation structure for election commission members in Belarus?
**Dr. Kolchenko:**
“The limited compensation, particularly the fact that members are only paid for time spent on designated duty days and the main election day, raises significant concerns about the potential impact on the integrity of the electoral process.
Election commissions play a vital role in ensuring free and fair elections. They are responsible for tasks such as voter registration, ballot counting, and resolving disputes.
Limited compensation can create a disincentive for qualified individuals to serve on these commissions, particularly those with full-time jobs or other commitments. This could lead to a reliance on individuals who are financially vulnerable or more susceptible to pressure and influence.
Moreover, the disparity in compensation between regional and central commission members raises questions about fairness and equity. this disparity could potentially create a two-tier system where regional commissions might potentially be more susceptible to political maneuvering or manipulation.
**World Today News:** What potential implications could this compensation system have for the overall fairness and transparency of elections in Belarus?
**Dr. Kolchenko:**
“This system raises serious concerns about the potential for manipulation and bias within the electoral process.
When commission members are inadequately compensated or face financial pressures, they might potentially be more susceptible to external influences or pressure to skew results in favor of certain candidates or parties.
Transparency is also crucial. The lack of publicly available and detailed details about the compensation structure feeds into public distrust and fuels allegations of unfair practices.”
**World Today News:** What steps could be taken to address these concerns and promote a more transparent and equitable compensation system for election commission members?
**Dr. Kolchenko:**
“Several steps could be taken to address these concerns. Firstly, there needs to be a full and transparent disclosure of the compensation structure for all election commission members, both at the regional and central levels.
Secondly, the compensation should be adequate and fair, reflecting the significant responsibilities and workload involved in ensuring free and fair elections.
Thirdly, an independant body should be established to oversee the electoral process, including the selection and compensation of commission members. This would help to reduce political interference and ensure greater impartiality.”
**Moving forward:**
The recent revelations regarding the compensation structure for Belarusian election commission members highlight a critical issue that requires urgent attention. Ensuring a transparent, fair, and adequately compensated system for these crucial officials is essential for upholding the integrity of the electoral process and fostering trust in Belarusian democracy.
