The Democratic Forces’ Electoral Agenda: Avoiding Repression

The democratic forces have made progress in promoting their agenda in communication with the West. At the same time, the presidential campaign in Belarus remains on the periphery of attention for Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s coalition. This is because political organizations prioritize the safety of change supporters and the preservation of activists within Belarus amid escalating repression.

The democratic forces are establishing effective communication with the European Parliament, leading to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s coalition continuing its campaign to isolate and delegitimize Lukashenka. Specifically, this includes the non-recognition of the 2025 regime elections at the international level. The European Parliament already recognizes these elections as unfair, given they are held in an atmosphere of fear and repression.

Some politicians attempt to increase their ratings and draw attention to the election topic. Politician and NAU member Yury Hubarevich sent documents from abroad to the CEC to participate in the campaign, but his initiative group was not registered.

Aside from individual opposition figures, the democratic forces are refraining from mobilizing supporters. This decision is tied to concerns for the activists’ safety. The regime’s security forces are significantly intensifying repression and crackdowns in the regions following the announcement of the election date.

The democratic forces are focusing on international activities. They continue to defend the interests of their supporters through communication with the West. Tsikhanouskaya’s coalition attracts substantial financial assistance for Belarusians who have faced persecution. For instance, Denmark will allocate EUR 700,000 to support the repressed in Belarus and their families. Altogether, the international humanitarian fund has raised over EUR 2 million in 2024.

The democratic forces are strengthening their position in cooperation with Scandinavian countries. The countries of the Nordic Council will appoint coordinators for contacts with the democratic forces of Belarus.

In Poland, Tsikhanouskaya’s Cabinet defends the interests of political exiles amid a tightening migration policy, boosting the ratings of both the democratic forces and individual politicians. Deputy Head of the Anti-Crisis Administration Latushka met with the Head of the Office for Foreigners of Poland, Cytrynowicz.

A months-long high-profile campaign in support of filmmaker Andrei Gnyot has yielded results. The Belarusian left Serbia and is now safe. The director had faced the threat of extradition to Belarus. Tsikhanouskaya’s Office held negotiations for Gnyot’s release with Serbian President Vučić.

The democratic forces are showing their supporters the positive outcomes of strategic dialogue with Washington. In the United States, an initiative has emerged to recognize expired Belarusian passports.

Thus, the democratic forces are refraining from mobilization efforts during the electoral campaign and are prioritizing the safety of their supporters in Belarus.