Statkevich: I call on voters to mark ballots showing rejection of regime's policy

Political prisoner Mikalai Statkevich has addressed the Belarusians about the election. Text of the address is given below.

Dear friends,

 I want to thank everyone who became a member of my nominating group.

I understand that in our scared society it is a big act and I thank all those who committed this act. This support is important not only to me but to all those who are in prison because of their beliefs.

Let’s be honest, the participation of the opposition in the last presidential campaign made sense, first of all, as an opportunity to organize a mass protest against the show, in which the authorities had turned the elections, and try to return the country to democracy.

Now, none of the alternative candidates pursues such task. I do not see much point in such participation. In addition, participation of a part of the opposition makes the boycott ineffective. In such circumstances, I urge those who do not agree with the role of extras in another performance to put up the civilian resistance.

I encourage those who will still come or will be forced to come to the polls to put their message on the ballot, which would clearly testify to the rejection of the policy of the ruling regime. I am sure that if this signal is big, it will reach the destination.

Be free in your attitudes and behavior. When there are enough free people, we will be able to gain freedom for the country.

Mikalai Statkevich

Mahiliou, July 23, 2015