Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Belarus
Delegate Name: Thomas Jahanian
School: Ann Arbor Community High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Belarus position papers GLIMUN 2009 committees
The Republic of Belarus regards electoral violence as a crime that cannot be ignored and should not be tolerated. Our country, according to the International Foundation for Electoral Systems White Paper 2001/2002, has very few issues with electoral violence. We hold ourselves to the highest moral standard, and believe it is the responsibility of each country and their election monitors to hold safe, responsible and fair elections.
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems Paper states, "An electoral process is an alternative to violence as it is a means of achieving governance." The Republic of Belarus agrees with this statement entirely and advocates the enforcement of election security. This security includes both the monitoring of controversial elections and the punishment of both the governments and electoral monitors involved in electoral violence and fraud.
The Republic of Belarus believes it is the job of the United Nations to impose sanctions for the government of those countries that do not follow U.N. regulations regarding electoral violence. The U.N. must also try and punish those electoral monitors and government officials who have committed crimes in an international court.
There needs to be diplomatic relations between the United Nations and governments that choose to be part of electoral violence. The United Nations must also favor nations that take steps towards fair and responsible elections.
Once these steps have been taken Belarus believes the world will be on the correct path. It will be evident how effective our work is, once we see electoral violence cease.
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