Updated at 17:53,27-03-2024

Local elections: slim chance for opposition?

Belsat, following BelaPAN

Several opposition politicians have announced their intention to run in March’s elections for the Minsk City Council.

Aliaksei Yanukevich, chairman of the Belarusian People's Front and Deputy Chairman Aliaksandr Straltsou are going to run as members of their party but collecting signatures are also provided. Anatol Liabedzka, chairman of the United Civic Party and Deputy Chairman Leu Marholin will also be participating in the race for deputies' seats. It has become known that election officials have refused to register nomination groups that would collect ballot-access signatures for Anatol Liabedzka, but he is expected to seek access to the ballot as the UCP’s nominee.

Siarhei Kaliakin, chairman of the Belarusian Party of the Left (Fair World) and Deputy Chairmen Valery Ukhnaliou and Aliaksei Yeliseyeu also on the list of potential runners.

Siarhei Vazniak, a member of Tell the Truth civil campaign, said that he and another member of the organization, Tatsiana Karatkevich, would seek registration as candidates in the Minsk City Soviet elections, while its leader Uladzimir Niakliayeu would not participate in them.

Ales Lahvinets, deputy chairman of movement For Freedom, said that he had already applied for the registration of a nomination group that would collect ballot-access signatures for him as a potential candidate. According to the politician, the movement’s chairman, Aliaksandr Milinkevich, will skip the elections.