Lukashenko opines on qualities of candidates in forthcoming elections in Belarus
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko gave a number of instructions in view of the upcoming election campaigns in the country as he made new appointments on 25 September, BelTA has learned.
“I emphasize it once again: there is no ruling Communist Party, everything is in your hands [a comparison with the Soviet times, when the party played a significant role on the ground]. The country is gearing up for major election campaigns and the ideological component is of paramount importance. Please, think who will represent you in the parliament, the Belarusian People's Congress. We do not hide the fact that we have our nominees. It is the usual practice,” the head of state said. “This is a natural thing in any state, even the most democratic one. The USA has always taught us how to live. You see how the election campaigns are conducted there. God forbid we conduct elections their way, especially by mail.”
“We have our own tasks, our own goals. Pick up worthy patriotic people, professionals. Support them in the parliamentary elections and the elections to the Belarusian People's Congress. I am not hiding anything and you have nothing to hide either. But these should be professionals, decent people. Everything should be done so that people will support the candidates we back. We have enough smart, talented people,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.