Opposition Leaders Refused To Take Part In “Elections”

Representatives of the organizations included into the Rada of the Belarusian National Congress issued a statement.

Here is the text in full:

“Belarus needs free and democratic elections. This is the first condition of political and economic reforms, the peaceful transition from authoritarianism to democracy. We have been insisting and continue to insist on such elections, because this is the issue of our country’s survival, its statehood maintenance and independence.

We had hoped until last that the government was aware of the seriousness of the situation, in which Belarus is now. Unfortunately, the present political regime has decided again to save itself by offering not “elections,” but a farce to people. The entire responsibility for the consequences of such a decision falls on the government. We refuse to participate in the electoral farce, to facilitate the power, deceiving the people, and to share the responsibility for the policy, which is destructive of the country.

The only way to get out free and fair elections is to put pressure of all Belarusian society on the regime. Belarusians cannot count on the effective solidarity on the part of the international community without the struggle for democracy.

By refusing to participate in another political performance, we reiterate our determination to strive for honest elections and declare our decision to hold a mass rally in support of this demand in Minsk on September 12.

Long Live Belarus!

Stanislau Shushkevich, Belarusian Social-Democratic Hramada

Mikalai Statkevich, Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada)

Andrei Sannikov, European Belarus Civil Campaign

Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu, For Statehood and Independence Movement

Zmitser Dashkevich, Young Front

Viachaslau Siuchyk, Solidarity Movement Razam

Vatslau Areshka, Belaruski Ruh

We remind that leader of the Belarusian Trade Union of Radio Electronic Industry Henadz Fiadynich has refused to participate in the “parliamentary elections” as well.

The Rada of the Belarusian National Congress has stated that another electoral farce is being prepared in Belarus.