BCD to demand release of Statkevich instead of running in “elections”

The Belarusian Christian Democracy party (BCD) will not propose its candidate for presidency.

The BCD organising committee is open for cooperation with a democratic candidate who has similar positions, views and values, charter97.org learnt from the BCD's press release.

“It is not only that Belarus doesn't have free and honest elections. The authorities have made the work of independent trade unions impossible and destroyed the independent judiciary system in the last 20 years. Today, the object of suppression is not the opposition but the people of Belarus. The latest antipopular laws are vivid examples. Christian democrats must become defenders of the people of Belarus, the party that defends the national values and protects the rights of ordinary Belarusians,” BCD co-head Vital Rymasheuski noted.

“The party does not run in the 'elections'. But we will carry out a campaign to support Mikalai Statkevich and other political prisoners. We will also collect signatures and present the alternative programme Government for People,” BCD co-head Pavel Seviarynets stressed.

BCD will focus on the healthcare reform in 2015, which will allow the party to talk to people more actively and effectively.

BCD plans to hold a convention on June 13.