They included chief executives of local authorities and medical institutions, and top managers of large enterprises.

[4] The election was attempted to be monitored by 925 international and more than 17,000 local observers,[5] including an Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission consisting of some 450 members from 43 countries.

[6] Belarusian citizens abroad were able to cast their votes at 40 polling stations located in 31 countries.

The Central Election Commission declared this to be due to the overwhelming popular fear of mass demonstrations and of the "radical political changes" demanded by the opposition.

President Lukashenko commented that the opposition in Belarus is financed by foreign countries and is not needed.