Henadz Fyadynich: “If parties want respect, they should withdraw from elections as one”

• 8.09.2008, 16:39

The chairman of the Belarusian Radio and Electronics Workers’ Union (REWU) Henadz Fyadynich is convinced that representatives of oppositional parties should boycott the upcoming elections.

“My position is firm, not to take part in this “elections”. I was offered to become a “deputy”, an agent, but it is just a waste of power and emotions. Party candidates say that it is possible to carry out a door-to-door campaign during the “elections”, but what prevents them from doing so without elections? If you have something to offer, you can do that any time,” Henadz Fyadynich said in an interview to the Charter’97 press-centre.

“I hoped oppositionists would be included in district commissions. But they haven’t been allowed to become members. And in this situation just a fake for the West is taking place instead elections. It is obvious that the “election” is not free and non-transparent. I assume that a few oppositionists could be allowed to become “deputies”. But we must fight for normal democratic elections. And in this situation boycott is an action, and a very serious one,” the trade unions leader noted.

According to Fyadynich, representatives of parties should withdraw from elections.

“I believe that if the oppositional parties want respect from people who care about the developments in the country, they should withdraw from the elections, and do that as one,” the leader said.