Belarus ready to boycott dictatorship

The statement “On conditions of running Belarusian democratic forces in electoral campaigns” was adopted by the National Coordinative Council of Belarusian Democratic Opposition on April 11.

Representatives of the Belarusian democratic forces “expressing the will of the people of Belarus to independence, freedom and rule of law”, state that the 2010 presidential elections were held with numerous violations and falsifications, and that the authorities, “formed as a result of the so called elections” are not legitimate.

“Total repressions launched on December 19 threaten the society and existence of Belarus as an independent state. Having come to the economic and geopolitical deadlock, the current regime has turned the whole society and country into hostages of its irresponsible policy,” the document notes.

The democratic forces Coordinative country demands to return the people of Belarus the right to form the authorities in their country through free, democratic, and fair elections.

“It will be possible only when all political prisoners are released, persecutions and repressions are stopped, constitutional rights to freedom of speech, assembles and associations are guaranteed, significant amendments to the electoral legislation and changes in the practice of holding elections are made,” the statement says.

Until these conditions are not fulfilled, the Belarusian democratic opposition preserves the right to boycott any electoral campaign.