Democratic candidates refuse to withdraw from the election

During a picket near the Presidential Administration on 9 December Uladzimir Niakliayeu called all democratic candidates to withdraw from the ‘election’.

According to the politician, a simultaneous withdrawal of all the candidates would strengthen the opposition and the Square. Niakliayeu says we must not let the international structures recognize the election, and such recognition would become the opposition's biggest failure.

The candidate thinks that the election can be considered non-democratic by this moment already, thus neither Russia not the European Union should recognize it. Niakliayeu's HQ has prepared a corresponding document which confirms the presidential election in Belarus is not democratic, informs.

The same day some opposition candidates and their representatives discussed held a meeting to discuss the possible withdrawal from the presidential race. Apart from Niakliayeu, the meeting was attended by candidates Vital Rymasheuski, Dzmitry Us and Viktar Tsiareshchanka. Other candidates sent their representatives. The media had no access to the meeting.

According to Niakliayeu, those who took part in the meeting agreed that all 9 democratic candidates would come to Kastrychnitskaya Square in Minsk at 2000 on 19 December. Together with voters, they will be demanding a new election without Aliaksandr Lukashenka running.

Vital Rymasheuski said the participants of the meeting decided to sign a joint statement that Aliaksandr Lukashenka was not legitimate to take part in the election. According to Mr. Rymasheuski, the candidates agreed that the action on 19 December should be a common action.