The regional civil-patriotic marathon "#Ediny" was launched on February 6 at the Vitebsk branch of the International University "MITSO". Ahead lies a series of events in the cities and districts of the region. The marathon will conclude on February 24.
The participants of the events held at the Vitebsk branch of "MITSO" included students and the faculty of the university, as well as students from Vitebsk Secondary School No. 17 named after I. Bumagin. They were met by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, who acted as an expert in the open dialogue "Youth Perspective. Elections".
But first, the head of the region was introduced to the university's capabilities. The guest visited the forensic laboratory, the logistics center, and other specialized classrooms that make student training more practice-oriented. Then, Alexander Subbotin joined the events of the "#Ediny" marathon. As the republican youth information and educational project "Pashtouka.BEL" was launched in the Vitebsk region within its framework, the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee also did not stand aside – he signed and dropped a stylized postcard "We are choosing the future together!" into the mailbox. He sent an invitation to the elections to Veronika Yukhnovets, a student of "MITSO", an activist of the BRSM, and a prize-winner of the regional round of the "Student of the Year" competition. This girl will be voting for the first time, and, of course, she is determined to come to the polling station. By the way, Veronika preferred to keep secret who she intends to send a postcard to within the framework of the "Pashtouka.BEL" project.
Having tied ribbons in the colours of the national flag, all forum participants also joined the republican patriotic campaign "Rodnae — Narodnae" (Native — Folk), aimed at promoting the state symbols and culture of Belarus. The next stage of the meeting was an open dialogue, where the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee answered numerous questions from the audience thoroughly and sincerely. The questions covered various topics. Alexander Subbotin shared his views on the qualities that people's representatives should possess and why youth participation in the electoral campaign is so important. He spoke about the qualities he, as a voter, pays attention to in candidates for deputies. According to the head of the region, when getting acquainted with the contenders for deputy mandates, he primarily studies a person's work history and assesses their professional success. However, there are quite a few young people among the candidates for deputies, noted the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee. And even if they usually do not have much experience, they have enough energy and a desire to change the world for the better. During the election campaign, one should also observe a person's behaviour in communication, believes Alexander Subbotin. It is important that a candidate is not arrogant and does not make empty promises.
Not all questions concerned the topic of elections. Much else was discussed, from the importance of online presence on social media to plans for the improvement of Vitebsk.
As part of the marathon's opening, the university presented a quiz on electoral law "#Ediny" (United). Additionally, some students joined the youth project "Azbuka Grazhdanina. Versiya 4.0" (Citizen's Alphabet. Version 4.0). Its goal is to familiarise future voters with the specifics of the upcoming electoral campaign and to draw attention to the main changes in the election process. In the form of a business game, the participants could test and consolidate their knowledge, and better understand who and how they will be electing in 2024.
Thematic meetings and informational outreach pickets will be held in different regions of the Dvina area until the unified voting day. The marathon is organised by the Main Department of Ideological Work and Youth Affairs of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, as well as the regional committee of the NGO "BRSM" (Belarusian Republican Youth Union).
Anastasia KLIMOVSKIKH, 2nd-year student at the Vitebsk branch of "MITSO":
— I believe that events like a marathon are very important for young people to approach elections more responsibly. I will be voting for the first time this year. I consider it a very important matter. Previously, as a child, I went to the polling station with my parents, and I found it quite interesting. Now, I will have to make a choice independently.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by
