April 25, Pozirk. Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment fighters can engage in politics only if they resign, its press office reported, citing a decision by commanders.
Commander Dzianis Procharaŭ called the meeting on April 22 after several fighters failed to inform officers of their intentions to run in the upcoming election for the Coordination Council, an opposition body often referred to as a proto-parliament.
Those volunteers who decide to run must leave the regiment, the meeting participants decided by a vote of 10 to four.
The regiment commanders unanimously rejected the idea of submitting a joint electoral list yet stressed that the unit would feature in the Belarusian democratic discourse and communicate with other political actors.
Communication will continue via a special conference and Šlach da Voli dialogue platform to make sure fighters are not distracted from their military duties, the statement says.
So far, 13 lists containing 280 names have been submitted for the election for the Coordination Council, with voting scheduled for May 25 to 28.
The fifth largest group with 20 candidates is reportedly led by Vadzim Kabančuk, deputy commander of the Kalinoŭski Regiment.
