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Volha Mikalajchyk: When we see empty polling stations, lies of regime will become obvious

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Volha Mikalajchyk: When we see empty polling stations, lies of regime will become obvious

Demands for free elections without participation of Lukashenka, and boycott of the electoral farce – are the two strategies which have become able to unite the democratic forces of Belarus.

It was said in an interview to charter97.org by a Belausian filmmaker and a civil activist Volha Mikalajchyk.

- You have always been a consistent supporter of boycott of the so-called “elections” in Belarus. To your mind, do the press-conference of Mikalai Statkevich and other oppositional leaders and the demands for the new elections put forward by them strengthen the positions of the democratic forces in their mission of recognition the dictatorship’s illegitimacy?

- I think that the strategy of demanding the new elections and the boycott of the current electoral farce do not contradict each other. In case efforts of Mikalai Statkevich and his supporters to prevent Alyaksandr Lukashenka from participation in a free election to be crowned with success, – it will be very good.

But understanding that we could fail, we should get ready for boycott anyway. And the idea of boycott of the “elections” remains of vital importance in any case. These two things are not necessarily alternative. To exclude Lukashenka from participation in the elections and to hold the new elections, with democratic candidates is one thing. And on the other hand, focused preparatory efforts for boycott should be continued.

In the present conditions, boycott is probably the only means and the only instrument to resist mass rigging of the “elections” results. When we see how many people do not turn out at poll.iing stations – the lies of the regime will become obvious.

If Mikalai Statkevich and other politicians – Andrei Sannikov, Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu – won’t succeed in bringing Lukashenka to responsibility under international law now, before the “elections” and prevent him from participation in the free elections under the international control, then boycott is the only possible way.

- Will the democratic opposition be able to unite around the idea of boycott of the electoral farce and demands for free and transparent elections under international control?

- Is there any other opposition beside the leaders who had been taking part in the press conference, and Andrei Sannikov, who unfortunately was unable to participate at that moment? I am very pleased that the opposition leaders have been able to reach understanding and unite.

Now the question is not about uniting, but how the democratic community is to bring illegitimate Lukashenka to responsibility for all his actions. It is necessary to go to the international law and lodge claims for violation of laws and seizure of power.

The European community should clearly understand that the rule of Alyaksandr Lukashenka has been illegitimate for 20 years already. And demands which had been raised at the press-conference and related to the fact that it is impossible for him to participate in the free elections, should be implemented together with boycott tactics.

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