Authorities eye opposition faction in Belarus parliament?
The authorities in Belarus could allow an opposition faction in the House of Representatives after this year's parliamentary elections. This conclusion can be drawn from the recent speech by Alexander Lukashenka during a meeting with students of the Belarus State University.
According to Lukashenka, one of his aides suggested that some 20 oppositionists be elected to the Belarusian parliament. This would allegedly help make the vote "respectable" in the eyes of Europe.
Anatol Lyabedzka, the leader of the United Civic Party, believes that pro-democracy forces could see even more opposition MPs, if the elections were indeed free and fair. He says that 20 or even 60 MPs will not be able to impeach the president.
However, even if the authorities do not hamper the election of a group of oppositionists, this group will not include the leaders of political organizations.
Anatol Lyabedzka says:
“At the same time, if such a faction was formed, it would be a step forward. Not only us live with the thought of removing Alexander Lukashenka from power… The presence of even just three people -- Fralou, Parfyanovich and Skrabets -- made the activities at the parliament more interesting.
If those new people have a greater political experience, some signs could appear to show that this is not just a department of Lukashenka's administration, but a structure which wants to implement the principles of parliamentarism”.
However, Lyabedzka thinks that the presence of some people with the dissenting views does not mean the legitimization of the whole parliament. The parliamentary campaign needs to meet the OSCE principles in order to be recognized.
According to Lukashenka, one of his aides suggested that some 20 oppositionists be elected to the Belarusian parliament. This would allegedly help make the vote "respectable" in the eyes of Europe.
Anatol Lyabedzka, the leader of the United Civic Party, believes that pro-democracy forces could see even more opposition MPs, if the elections were indeed free and fair. He says that 20 or even 60 MPs will not be able to impeach the president.
However, even if the authorities do not hamper the election of a group of oppositionists, this group will not include the leaders of political organizations.
Anatol Lyabedzka says:
“At the same time, if such a faction was formed, it would be a step forward. Not only us live with the thought of removing Alexander Lukashenka from power… The presence of even just three people -- Fralou, Parfyanovich and Skrabets -- made the activities at the parliament more interesting.
If those new people have a greater political experience, some signs could appear to show that this is not just a department of Lukashenka's administration, but a structure which wants to implement the principles of parliamentarism”.
However, Lyabedzka thinks that the presence of some people with the dissenting views does not mean the legitimization of the whole parliament. The parliamentary campaign needs to meet the OSCE principles in order to be recognized.
