Coordinating Council elections: Demand demonstrated for a common platform for democratic forces

The situation has gotten better

The election of the clean slate of the Coordination Council (CC) has attracted the attention of independent media due to the high level of activity demonstrated by the candidates. The number of CC candidates shows the demand for the platform and increases the influence of this institution in the current configuration of the democratic movement. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is consolidating the diplomatic successes of the democratic forces and continuing high-level meetings to advance the agenda of civil society. This includes isolating the Lukashenka regime, supporting civil society organisations, ensuring freedom of travel, and easing restrictions on Belarusians.

Coordinating Council elections: Demand demonstrated for a common platform for democratic forces

Coordination Council elections are the focus of attention for independent media and civil society. Despite the threats and repression, the elections to the CC demonstrate the importance of this institution for the democratic movement. Some 270 candidates from 12 electoral lists are running for 80 seats.

Strong critics of the Tsikhanouskaya coalition, including Zianon Pazniak, the Tsapkala family and Volha Karach, refused to nominate their lists for the Coordinating Council elections. This may be due both to their low popularity and to fears of reputational damage.

The political aspirations of some of the soldiers and the debate related to the nomination for the new composition of the Coordination Council have led to a crisis within the Kalinouski Regiment.

The Belarusian democratic forces are continuing to make diplomatic headway in their relations with Western capitals.

During her visit to Majorca, Ms Tsikhanouskaya participated in the EU Speakers Conference. She is also planning an official visit to Oslo and meetings with Norwegian authorities.

The democratic leader advocates for the interests of civil society, including increased funding for independent media and CSOs, as well as support and rehabilitation of political prisoners. Democratic forces are calling for the synchronisation of Western sanctions against the Lukashenka regime.

Thanks to the democratic forces’ communication with Lithuanian politicians, restrictive measures against Belarusians holding residence permits in Lithuania were prevented. Lithuanian deputies voted against restrictions on their travel to Belarus.

Lukashenka is forced to address the most sensitive issues for a politician – the viability of his personal assets and those of his close circle – in response to the international forces’ activities and investigations. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office announced that the Cypriot Government commenced the effort to identify assets linked to the Lukashenka regime.

Thus, thanks to the media and the activity of the candidates, the Coordinating Council elections attract attention, which helps to increase voter turnout.