Associates of Lukashenka’s jailed election rival announce establishment of new party

On August 31, the election team of the imprisoned might-have-been presidential candidate Viktar Babaryka has posted a video in which they voiced the intention to set up a political party titled Vmeste (Together).

The recording consists of two parts: Babaryka’s appeal (it was apparently recorded before his being arrested on June, 18 – Ed. note) and that of Maryia Kalesnikava, his campaign chief.

In the video, former banker Viktar Babaryka sets the following goals:

“First of all, we must ensure the implementation of the constitutional reform. Our second task is to work on moving the economy forward.”

Maryia Kalesnikava, who is also one of the leaders of the opposition Coordination Council initiated by presidential hopeful Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, detailed the plans:

“Members of Viktar Babaryka’s campaign office and I announce the creation of the political party Together. Registration documents will be submitted in the near future. We will unite and will be even stronger.”

This party’s forming does not imply bringing about any changes in the activity of the Coordination Council, its press service told news agency Interfax.

Viktar Babaryka was deemed to be one of the strongest opponents of Alyaksandr Lukashenka in the 2020 election campaign. However, the politician was taken into custody (allegedly on preposterous charges), which prevented him from participating in the election.

Belsat.eu