Volha Mikalaichyk: Figures Announced By Yarmoshyna Are Ridiculous

The filmmaker, who was an “elections” observer, shares her impressions about them.

In her comment to charter97.org Volha Mikalaichyk told about her attitude to the electoral farce that had taken place in Belarus, and answered the question about the reasons why participants of the protest rallies held last week in Minsk were summoned by the police.

“It’s a call which shows that the authorities have not dropped the idea to stifle any protest, – she said. – Over the period of the next four months – while the sanctions are frozen – only “conversations” with activists at police departments are to take place. In case the EU lifts them eventually, more serious crackdown will take place. The sanctions are an instrument of political influence on Lukashenka. Thanks to them the crackdown on activists, the civil society and former political prisoners is not so tough now. I do not believe that arrests for participation in mass rallies, for expressing one’s believes won’t return in the near future.”

Volha Mikalaichyk also shared her impressions about the past “presidential election.” She was an observer at the polling station №34 in Partyzanski district of Minsk.

“We saw a huge quantity of violations and falsification during this “election.” The figures announced by the CEC as the final results of the elections are ridiculous, – she said. – According to official data, the total number of voters at the polling station where I was an observer was 975. Undoubtedly, this figure was understated, in order to guarantee “turnout.” On the main election day about 35% of this figure’s voter attended the polling station, according to our information, despite the fact that everyone who gave his or her signature for receiving a ballot paper was given a chocolate bar. I think that the “election” was not valid, and the country is ruled by illegitimate leader, that is why we, democratic activist, should carry on our activities and fight for a better future for Belarusians.”