Coordination Council preparing for election despite crackdown

December 21, Pozirk. The exiled opposition Coordination Council is forming an organizing committee for its next election.

The statement comes amid continuing harassment of council members by the Belarusian authorities and skepticism among Belarusians who often do not understand the council’s purpose. “Criticism could be a reason to take a step back but we want it to give an impetus for development,” the council said.

The election should “unite Belarusians, civil society and political organizations,” “free Belarus from the dictatorship of Alaksandar Łukašenka’s regime,” and help build a democratic and peaceful Belarus, it noted.

The statement lists eight points that require unanimous support of all those involved in the election, including commitment to fair elections, Belarusian independence and its European aspirations and the understanding that Łukašenka is not a legitimate representative of the Belarusian people.

Those wishing to join the organizing committee can contact the council’s secretariat before 27 December.

On November 28, Belarusian police raided the homes of prominent opposition activists who are now based abroad and are affiliated with the council, carrying out more than 130 searches and issuing 145 orders to seize property.

The Investigative Committee reportedly filed criminal charges of conspiracy to seize power and forming an extremist group against more than 100 people linked to the council.