Belarusian presidential elections: having numerous candidates would weaken positions of promising candidates

Civil activist from Kobrin, Ales Mekh, deputy head in the new movement “For Statehood and Independence of Belarus”, led by Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu, has announced his intention to become a presidential candidate in the upcoming elections. As elections draw closer, more and more political activists declare their intention to become presidential candidates, which demobilises and fractions the opposition. However, the majority of those willing to become candidates are likely to fail at the initial stage – the collection of signatures. In addition, a large number of opposition candidates may drag activists from stronger opposition leaders thereby weakening their campaigning potential.