Youth Organisations: We Demand to Stop Bringing Pressure on Students before Elections

Belarusian students are asked not to yield to threats and to take no part in the vote.

Representatives of Belarusian youth organisations “Young Christian Democrats”, “Young Belarus”, “Young Democrats”, “Alternativa” demand to stop bringing pressure on Belarusian students, who are forced to participate in the early voting.

Every year of elections Belarusian students are literally driven to take part in the early voting by threats to expel them or to oust from hostels. Moreover, when students confirm their participation in early voting, administration of educational institutions offer them additional days-off. Once again it proves that the existing regime is not interested in intelligent professionals – it is more interested in a turnout of voters at polling stations, than education of young people, charter97.org was told by the press-service of the Belarusian Christian Democratic party.

“We urge Belarusian students not to yield to such threats and remember your rights and human dignity. We should not let them shepherd us as a herd and drive to polling stations. The right to vote is a personal choice of anyone, so if you do not want to attend the polling station – don’t; just meet with your friends for a cup of coffee!” the statement reads.