Milinkevich welcomes new faces on Belarusian political scene
Opposition politician Alyaksandr Milinkevich said in an interview with BelaPAN Wednesday that he welcomed the appearance of new faces on the Belarusian political scene ahead of the country’s presidential election.
“The appearance of new people among the opposition is of great importance, as its older part has made itself marginalized in a sense,” said Mr. Milinkevich, leader of the Movement for Freedom who was the candidate of a broad opposition coalition in the previous, 2006 presidential election.
The new politicians are not to blame alone for entering the political scene only shortly before elections, Mr. Milinkevich said. “Belarusians have an opportunity to learn about candidates only during their TV addresses. Discussions between parties, TV debates, competitions among ideologies should take place on a regular basis, but the authorities would not allow them.”
He suggested that his refusal to run in the ongoing election campaign, perhaps, had prompted the authorities to register a large amount of contenders as candidates. “Perhaps, I was a stronger, more popular and more influential politician for the authorities,” he said.
Mr. Milinkevich said that he did not regret his decision against standing in the election. “If had decided to run, I would have been the 10th candidate who would have to struggle against opposition partners, while Alyaksandr Ryhoravich [Lukashenka] would have had a good time.”
He said that he did not plan to quit politics, noting that he had participated in the collection of ballot-access signatures and now took part in meetings held by Mr. Lukashenka`s rivals with voters.
He said that it was difficult to predict when the next presidential election would be held in Belarus. “In four years or in a year or two, perhaps,” he said. “I am ready to take part in it, if I have an opportunity to play a role that suits me.”
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