Babariko calls for fair and legitimate presidential election in Belarus – declaration

<p> MINSK, May 29 - PrimePress. Presidential nominee Victor Babariko calls on the government and population of Belarus to ensure fair and legitimate presidential election. He states this in his declaration on fair elections published by his election headquarters. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Babariko makes a stand against statements that discriminate against “gender, nationality or profession.” </p> <p>   </p> <p> “I want and have the right to fair elections, free fr om dishonorable or provocative behavior. I can and should do everything to ensure my right to choose. I do not want to be forced to vote or to put my signature for anyone. I do not want to hear insults or threats towards candidates for the presidency, and I do not want to see such threats actualized, especially assisted by law enforcement agencies. I do not want to hear ungrounded accusations against nominees of crimes or offenses. If there are grounds, I want all known facts of offenses to be immediately reported to law enforcement agencies to initiate criminal cases or deny registration of a presidential candidate,” reads the statement. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Babariko urges to report facts of pressure and bribery by the authorities during the collection of signatures for presidential candidates, or attempts to influence the voting rights; report cases of misrepresentation of state statistics, concealment of truthful data, which may pose a threat to public safety, including regarding the sanitary situation. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Babariko asks all potential presidential candidates to publicly express their solidarity and join the declaration to organize a fair and free campaign, and all citizens of the Republic of Belarus, in particular members of election commissions, law enforcement and government officials to support the declaration. </p> <p>   </p> <p> “On Monday, June 1, 2020, we will file notices of known infringements of the legislation on the collection of signatures, bribery, and coercion to vote. Please report such facts! As soon as we receive information, we will supplement our appeal. It is easy and pleasant to tell the truth. The more citizens tell about the facts of violation of the law, the purer the election will be.” </p> <p>   </p> <p> Babariko called on those who are coerced to put signatures to report openly. “If you are fired or stripped of bonuses, we will provide legal, financial and other support. We urge you to help each other and not be afraid to act legally.” </p> <p>   </p> <p> As reported, Chairman of the Board of Belgazprombank OJSC Viktor Babariko announced on May 12, 2020 his intention to run for president of Belarus. It became known on the same day that he stepped down as chairman of the Board. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Babariko was born on November 9, 1963 in Minsk. He graduated from Belarusian State University in 1988 and Academy of Management under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus in 1995. He was working in the country’s banking system since July 1995; chairman of the Board of Belgazprombank OJSC from July 2000 to May 2020. </p> <p>   </p> <p> The presidential election in Belarus is scheduled for August 9, 2020. The first presidential election took place on June 23 (first round) and July 10, 1994 (second round). Alexander Lukashenko has been staying in office ever since. A referendum on amendments to Article 81 of the Constitution of Belarus, which abolished the lim it of two five-year presidential terms for one person, was held on October 17, 2004. End </p>

2020-06-02

Primepress