Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador
Let's clarify the situation and put an end to speculation on this topic.
Almost immediately after the election campaign for the Coordination Council kicked off, a narrative began circulating in the media, suggesting that Pavel Latushka would take the place of Svetlana Tsikhanovskaya. I must confess that I feel flattered by the high regard given to our political work, our team, and our coalition with the "For Freedom" Movement, which has led to the emergence of such scenarios in people's imaginations. However, it is disheartening to see that even individuals who consider themselves analysts are entertaining these scenarios.
The upcoming elections for the Coordination Council, scheduled for May 25-27, are intended to elect representatives for a collective representative body. The aim is to select eighty deputies, each entrusted with a mandate to fulfill their role within this capacity. It is crucial to understand that these elections are NOT for the presidency. Consequently, the essence of this election campaign can not be focused on challenging Svetlana Tsikhanovskaya's position, as she emerged as the winner in the PRESIDENTIAL elections of 2020.
Now, let's address the unpleasant aspect. Such speculation, to be frank, is highly detrimental. Presenting the participation of different candidates in the elections for the Constitutional Court as an attempt to create divisions within the democratic movement and provoke conflicts is a manipulative act that only fosters divisions. It is challenging to conceive of a more ideal gift for propaganda and a demotivating factor for voters on the eve of the elections.
Therefore, I wish to clarify that Pavel Latushka has no intentions of competing for Svetlana Tsikhanovskaya's position or attempting to replace her in any manner.
Firstly, it is important to note that instead of some kind of “presidential privileges” there is a significant amount of work and areas of responsibility that need to be addressed with limited resources. The elections for the Constitutional Court also present an opportunity to address personnel matters within the democratic forces. Through these elections, we can incorporate 80 elected deputies who are dedicated to addressing the concerns of Belarusians across various available platforms.
Secondly, the driving motivation for me and our team throughout this entire journey, which fuels our round-the-clock efforts and underlies our decision to participate in the elections for the Constitutional Court, is the desire to bring about a political change in our country. Our aim is to create a free, independent, European, and democratic Belarus. Therefore, it is important and necessary for all of us, not just Pavel Latushka or the Latushka and "For Freedom" Movement coalition, but for all Belarusians to participate in the Coordination Council elections.
For the past 30 years, our votes have been disregarded, uncounted, and unheeded. They were simply stolen and manipulated. Those who were meant to represent our interests were merely appointed, rendering elections a meaningless formality. Throughout this time, we have never had a positive experience of participating in election campaigns.
On May 25-27, we have the opportunity to gain this experience for the first time. It is the first time we can truly feel the value and impact of our voices. Together, we can establish a genuinely elected body that will represent and safeguard the interests of voters, to the extent currently possible.
The principle of "Nothing about us without us" is one of the fundamental principles underlying our electoral program. Rather than merely complaining about decisions made arbitrarily abroad, we can actively participate through elections and directly influence policies.
Neither I nor our coalition aim to replace Svetlana Tsikhanovskaya. Our goal is to strengthen, develop, and foster effective collaboration among the political institutions established in 2020.
The only chairs and positions we aim to vacate are those unlawfully seized by the Lukashenko regime and his accomplices. We will strive to hold them accountable before the law.
Vote, choose, and make an impact. The Coordination Council elections will take place on May 25-27. Our number on the ballot is No 9.
Long live Belarus!