On November 5, the Head of State, Alexander Lukashenko, held a meeting on the upcoming presidential elections in 2025. As the President likes to say, there is no emergency – it is a traditional event, as the organization of the most important political campaign for the country is a matter of state. Moreover, people in Belarus are accustomed to elections always being a celebration with all the relevant attributes. This means that trade, culture, local authorities, and many others are involved, not to mention law enforcement officers, whose task is to ensure security and a calm environment. And purely political issues have not been removed from the agenda. For example, the invitation of international observers.
How Presidential Elections in Belarus Should Proceed and Who Cannot Relax. Details of the Meeting with Lukashenko
06/11/20240 views
This explains the circle of officials invited to the meeting: Head of Administration Dmitry Krutoy, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova, State Secretary of the Security Council Aleksandr Volfovich, heads of all regions and the city of Minsk, Chairperson of the KGB Ivan Tertel, Head of the Operational-Analytical Center under the President of the Republic of Belarus Andrey Pavlyuchenko, Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov, and Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Igor Karpenko.
Putting People's Interests First
Aleksandr Lukashenko immediately got down to business – setting tasks: the election campaign must be conducted at a high organizational level. "Make sure it's impeccable. But at the same time, remember: we are holding an election campaign in Belarus for our people, and our people's interests must be put at the forefront. Not as someone abroad wants it," the Belarusian leader emphasized.
According to him, first of all, it is necessary to create proper conditions for candidates and election commissions, and to prepare polling stations. Aleksandr Lukashenko even drew attention to such a seemingly less significant issue as ballot boxes. "If necessary, let's establish some standard ones, either nationwide or by region, and make them nice and proper, so they are not unpleasant. These are stationary ones. Portable ones too. They need to at least look decent," the President suggested.
He recalled that since Soviet times, it has been customary in the country for elections to be a celebration. "No matter who criticizes us, people come to the elections, they are used to there being a buffet, music playing, and so on. Naturally, this is the responsibility, first and foremost, of our local authorities," added Aleksandr Lukashenko.
On Possible Provocations and Readiness for Them
The President does not rule out that some provocations, whether informational, political, or otherwise, are possible during the current election campaign: "They have happened, they are happening, and they will happen. We just mustn't relax: 'Oh, our society is like this – these radicals, they fled, and so on...' There are plenty of different people in society. And no one should relax here under any circumstances. Especially us, the local authorities. We must proceed from the worst-case scenario. If it's better, then that's good."
Speaking about attempts to destabilize the situation in Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko noted that, as some say, "they are preparing for 2030, and this year...". "It is clear that they may say one thing and take other measures," the head of state remarked. "They are already developing plans on how to act. However, the degree of tension is mainly created outside the country. They cannot figure out there what tactics to develop. I think they will be prompted. There are many sensible people around. And they will provide money for it."
"But they must understand that the time for simply talking in the media is over. They understand this. Therefore, they are ready for radical actions. This means that we, in response, must also be ready to take adequate measures," the Belarusian leader added. "Everyone must understand that we have gained experience over these years and understand that power is not held with outstretched hands. And we are not going to do that. We have learned lessons from 2020. Therefore, we will act as our country and our people need."
On assistance to the CEC without interference in elections
Alexander Lukashenko noted that the main figure during the election period is always the head of the CEC, and he needs to be provided with the necessary assistance and support.
"I ask you to focus on him. We must help with everything he asks for. But where it is not necessary to interfere, do not run ahead of the locomotive. There is no need for that. They will blame us less for actually interfering in some elections," Alexander Lukashenko said.
On the upcoming five-year period, which will not be easy
"Society seems to be united. The economy is showing good results. But I must tell you that the upcoming five-year period will not be easy. It will not be an easy five-year period. And, perhaps, even the next year. I always try to protect society from certain talks about sanctions. But they have not been canceled," the head of state said.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that Russia was more heavily sanctioned, and Belarus along with it, so that it could not bypass sanctions through it. "Of course, these sanctions affect the economy one way or another. Yes, we have built logistics, and have mostly found ways to supply our goods and so on. But the cost of these logistical supplies has increased. Therefore, enterprises would be much richer if there were no such obstacles. But we will find appropriate solutions to this as well," the President stated.
The main thing, he emphasized, is domestic organization. Alexander Lukashenko spoke about this with the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Vladimir Karanik, while in the Grodno region. At the same time, the head of state asked not to forget that this is the best region, and similar problems "squared" are abundant in other, especially eastern, regions. "This also needs attention," demands the Belarusian leader.