BSDPH (Belarus Social Democratic Party Hramada) is one of the three social democratic parties with a similar name. It is run by Stanislau Shushkevich. While the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada) is run by Mikola Statkevich. They should not be confused.
The 16th congress of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party ‘Hramada’ has been held in Minsk. It was attended by more than 80 delegates from different regions of Belarus.
The secret ballot was attended by 82 delegates. According to the party charter, the election winner is the one who attains 50% plus one vote. Veshtard won by a small advantage: she had 42 members vote for her and 40 against.
Member of the campaign “Tell the Truth” Ihar Maskouski came second (he was supported by 38 people), Viktar Kryval came third (he did not get a single vote).
At the Congress, the Social Democrats also discussed changes in the constitution and electoral regulations.
After the announcement of election results, Veshtard said that nothing will change: Belarusian Social Democratic Party, just like the previous 25 years, will remain in the democratic field together with the rest of the opposition:
“The party will continue to work for the development of democratic values, for changes in Belarus, for transparent, open elections with the counting of votes.”
Iryna Veshtard is a teacher, she worked at the school in Lahoisk and Smarhon district. She has been in BSPD since 1991.
