Ales Mikhalevich: First democratic election may happen any moment
The political refugee is convinced that the current authorities are not interested in appearance of even controlled opposition in Parliament.
Ales Mikhalevich, Belarusian politician and former political prisoner who managed to escape to the Czech Republic, came up with a prognosis, that even if the election to the House of Representatives takes place at the times of the current authorities, there will be no opposition, either controlled or independent. Euroradio has asked Mikhalevich why he thinks so.
Ales Mikhalevich: Lukashenka
will not let any representative of the opposition make it to the Parliament, as
in Belarusian conditions getting to the Parliament provides a rather high
status by itself, and gives great opportunities for working with people. So,
the main idea of my article is that the authorities will not let anyone in, to
be extra safe.
Euroradio: What if there is
pressure from the EU for free election?
Ales Mikhalevich: Naturally,
the EU would like to see the opposition in the Parliament, but the point is,
whether the authorities will let the opposition to the Parliament. I am
convinced that the authorities can take different steps, like release of
political prisoners, but letting the opposition into the Parliament harms the
system directly, threatens with quick changes, therefore, the authorities will
not do it.
Euroradio: Why do you think
that the authorities are afraid of any opposition in the Parliament, even the
controlled one?
Ales Mikhalevich: On
the one hand, there shouldn't be any threat, but any person, even a Belarusian
KGB agent, may at a certain moment stop cooperation, and tear the agreement to
pieces. Having done such a serious act, he may raise civil respect, and may not
only stay an opposition politician, but become a serious leader of the
opposition. This is exactly why they will not let anyone to the Parliament.
Euroradio: So, you think that
the opposition should not participate in the upcoming Parliamentary election?
Ales Mikhalevich: I
think that there is too little information about this Parliamentary election.
If nothing changes and there will be the same conditions as now - I don't see
the point of participation. On the other hand, we, like any other political
structure, should be prepared, as the first democratic election may take place
any moment.
