Don't participate in electoral farce

The UCP, BCD, Electronic Industry rade Union, Belarusian Movement, Young Front and Association of Belarusian Intellectuals released a joint appeal to the people of Belarus.

Opposition members urge not to participate in the electoral farce.

The appeal was read out in a press conference of the leaders of organizations, Radio Svaboa reports. Young Front representatives were not able to attend the press conference due to persecution by police.

Anatol Lyabedzka, the leader of the United Civil Party (UCP), said:

“It was the worst political campaign in Belarus ever. It is the first time when political parties have withdrawn from elections and candidates' speeches have not been aired on TV. Lukashenka's desire to concentrate power in his hands led to the full crisis in the electoral system. It's a dead end. We need either to return to elections, or to stop the simulation we all witnessed.”

Vital Rymasheuski, a co-head of the Belarusian Christian Democracy party, says free elections are impossible while Lukashenka's opponents are in jails:

“These people have the right to take part in the electoral process. Isolation of the opponents of the regime is a ground not to recognize this election free and democratic.”

Vatslau Areshka from the Belarusian Movement said the boycott was effective:

“It is the national referendum of no confidence to the regime. It is the beginning of gradual changes in conditions for the next election, the presidential one.”

“Boycott was successful in people's mind,” the Electronic Industry Trade Union head, Henadzy Fyadynich, noted. The trade union leaders called on Belarusians:

“If you respect yourselves, if you are the citizens of Belarus like the appointed by the authorities candidates, my advice to you: Don't go to polling stations! The authorities use you for their purposes.”

According to Anatoly Lyabedzka, independent observers will be present at 1000-1500 polling stations across the country. It is enough to record a boycott of the election whatever voter turnout statistics the authorities will give.