Autukhovich to opposition: time to go?

MEPs, members of the ruling EPP managed to do what Statkevich failed to:  leaders of the opposition did not come to the Congress of Mikola Statkevich on May 15, but they got together at a table on May 16 in the "Renaissance" hotel in Minsk. Statkevich' calls to join his comrades in the democratic opposition were greeted by either silence or refusal, at a meeting with European politicians they demonstrate willingness to work together during the elections.

Bogdan Zdrojewski, Sandra Kalniete, and David McAllister of the European Parliament together with the Head of the EU Delegation to Belarus Andrea Wiktorin in their speeches mentioned the upcoming parliamentary elections. They said they will carefully monitor them, the outcome of these elections will be of great importance ... How can leaders of the Belarusian oppositions not show a responsible attitude to the election campaign in this case? But what exactly do they say to the European guests in response?

"We will make an effort, we will demand together with our colleagues to hold an observation campaign to coordinate efforts in the preparation and conduct of the election campaign, as well as in holding protests in case of rigged elections," said the co-chairman of the Belarusian Christian Democracy Vital Rymasheuski.

He also warned European politicians: until there are fair and transparent elections, we should not enter into any agreement with the "illegitimate" government.

Chairman of the BPF Party Alyaksei Yanukevich advises Europeans to be cautious when cooperating with the Belarusian authorities, he warns about the danger of the growth of Russian influence, recommends to increase funding for "Belarusian projects" - ... and doesn't say a word about the upcoming elections.

Mikola Statkevich at once warned those present that he couldn't stay long at the "round table", as he was in a hurry to the dentist, therefore he immediately told all that he had to say.

"There is no proper election, but somehow we have 7 lists of the opposition in the elections - seven! We have an election in one round, and we are stealing victory from ourselves even without the help of the authorities: a relative majority is enough to win, and there will be only one candidate from the authorities in the district. This is an irresponsible attitude. We cannot stop it, because we are not even able to discuss with you whether or not to participate in elections. Already in autumn, all present here said: "We will not go to elections without changes in legislation!" And now we have seven lists!

Statkevich called upon those present to act according to the principle "one district - one opposition candidate." His colleagues at thas time were either looking into their tablets or "make changes to the text of their speeches."

Tatsiana Karatkevich, Chairwoman of the "Tell the Truth", did not bypass the election topic. But how did she do it? She recalled the 2015 presidential elections and stated: thanks to the participation we "were able to reach out to new people, to get them interested in politics, and to initiate a dialogue inside the country." She also added that "Tell the Truth" is not at odds with any other opposition party."

Apparently, that's why it is in no hurry to unite with anyone - to not fall out later.

The Deputy Chairman of the Movement "For Freedom" Yury Hubarevich suddenly declared that the opposition is "united in its approach to what should be done during any election campaign."

Hubarevich: "The election commission should have the members of the opposition parties, and this possibility exists without the need to change legislation. Observers must be able to see the vote count with their own eyes - the count should be conducted publicly and openly."

Then the opposition will receive deputy mandates, said Hubarevich self-confidently. Apparently, it is possible without any association and with there being seven or ten opposition candidates' lists.

"In 2010, everyone was screaming about getting united, as a result everyone ran on their own and we had the most disgraceful elections in the history of the opposition. The same will happen now," said Uladzimir Nyaklyayeu, one of the participants of the 2010 presidential race.

Chairman of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party "Hramada" Iryna Veshtard tried being the "voice of reason".

"Let's not throw accusations at each other. I believe that part of the electoral messages can be shared by all the opposition, that some districts may really have a single candidate, we can even think about withdrawing at the end of the election campaign."

The result of the election controversy was briefly summarized by the political prisoner Mikalai Autukhovich, who had been sitting quietly outside the "round table".

"I have many questions for you, but it is unlikely that I will get the answers. Because there are simply none to be had. And I just say to you: maybe it is easier for you to meet at the round table and say: "People, weare very sorry to not being able to accomplish anything in 20 years, we will retire!" Because what you are doing is funny!"

The leaders of the opposition, however, had a different view. They will stand in the elections. And once again they will do it alone.

Photo Zmitser Lukashuk