The working group of the Forum of Democratic Forces presented a strategy to overcome the political crisis in the Republic of Belarus.
More than 50 experts, analysts, civil servants, politicians, consultants, representatives of civil society from different countries took part in its development. The best world practices and accumulated errors were taken into account. Many states have gone through political crises, there have been examples of government activities in emigration. In most cases, these were elected representative collegial bodies, which allowed for international recognition.
After August 2020, the country faced the largest repression in history. There are more than 1600 political prisoners in prisons. The junta recognized about 900 people as "terrorists" and according to this indicator, Belarus came out on top in the world. We faced mass emigration for political reasons. Hundreds of thousands of citizens cannot return home. The raider seizure of businesses continues, the country is subjected to sanctions, and the population is impoverished. All non-profit organizations and major media outlets have been destroyed, and independent trade unions have been liquidated. The regime has become a threat to regional security, provoking a migration crisis and dragging Belarus into a war against Ukraine.
Belarus does not have a legitimate body that has official recognition at the international level.
Recently, there have been proposals to reformat the Coordination Council. This structure appeared in August 2020 as an initiative of concerned citizens who expressed a desire to contribute to overcoming the political crisis. In two years, the Council has failed to meet its stated objectives, and many of its members have been arrested. The Council is not an elected body. Attempts to reformat it will not lead to significant changes.
It is necessary to reformat the model of counteraction to the Lukashenka regime in order to maximize the unification of society by creating an elected body. This will consolidate the efforts of all political forces and citizens for the speedy resolution of the political crisis in Belarus.
It is proposed to elect by direct vote the National Council of the Republic of Belarus, which will become the highest representative and legislative body of the people of Belarus during the period of illegal retention of power by the regime in the Republic of Belarus, as well as during the transitional period.
International law declares the right of the people freely to establish their political status and to carry out economic, social and cultural development.
The main objectives of the National Council of the Republic of Belarus:
creation of conditions for the restoration of law and order in the Republic of Belarus, building a legal and democratic parliamentary state
restoration of full sovereignty of the Republic of Belarus and elimination of threats to the world community
representing the interests of the people of the Republic of Belarus in the absence of a legitimately elected government
It is proposed to divide the tasks of the National Council into two stages: until the overthrow of the regime and for the transitional period.
- Of paramount importance is:
- Return of the rule of law to Belarus
- Expanding international support and solidarity with the people of Belarus
- Consolidation of efforts to combat the terrorist regime of Lukashenka
Development of an interim legislative framework to ensure the functioning of the state system of governance in the transitional period, as well as the organization of free democratic elections in the Republic of Belarus
Holding talks with officials of democratic countries on assistance to the people of Belarus in their just struggle against a terrorist regime that poses a real threat to individual countries and the European community as a whole
Consolidation and coordination of all efforts of democratic forces both within the Republic of Belarus and abroad with a view to using any legal means and forms of activity in the interests of creating conditions for the overthrow of the dictatorial regime
Development of a project for reforming the national security system, comprehensive preparation for the organization and ensuring the effective functioning of all elements of the national security system during the transition period
During the transition period, the National Council will have to assume the function of organizing the work of temporary state and local government bodies in the Republic of Belarus, ensuring the security of the country and its citizens, organizing free democratic elections of authorities with the mandatory involvement of independent international observers.
The National Council is proposed to be elected for a period of 2 years from among the citizens of the Republic of Belarus. The optimal size of the council is proposed to be up to 45 people.
Proposed key committees:
- on the Development of Civil Society and Constitutional Reform
- on National Security
- Economics and Finance
- In International Affairs
- on Human Rights, Release and Rehabilitation of Political Prisoners
- and others (as needed).
The election of the People's Parliament with the support of the international community and the observance of electoral procedures will open up the possibility of recognizing this body as the only legitimate representation of the people of Belarus.
Maximum transparency and transparency must be observed in the preparation and conduct of elections. Citizens will be involved in the process of preparing and participating in the elections.
It is planned to involve experts and international observers in the preparation and conduct of elections in order to certify the process itself and the criteria for the viability of the elections.
The voting procedure and the platform used will be chosen based on the criteria of international recognition and independence.
With the election of the people's parliament, every citizen of Belarus, regardless of place of residence, will be able to participate in the discussion and decision-making.
Citizens will have the opportunity to submit their initiatives and bills for consideration.
The meetings will be broadcast live, and each elected member of the council will report to their constituents.
Society needs to get rid of the legacy of Lukashism and chieftaincy. Unification is possible around principles, not individuals.
Pluralism of opinion, freedom of speech, transparency and openness, mutual respect and legality are the basic basic principles of the democratic movement.
The procedure for holding elections involves all interested citizens, calling elections, creating an election commission, inviting international observers, nominating and registering candidates, holding a media campaign, voting on an independent platform and summing up the results. Each stage requires discussion and approval of an action plan.
The support of the international community, the European Union, the OSCE and the European Parliament is extremely important for the implementation of this strategy.
We invite interested citizens of Belarus to take part in the discussion of the proposed plan, as well as to join the group for the preparation, organization and conduct of the election campaign.
Write to the team here.
Contacts for communication with the working group:
info@belarusforum.org