PES declaration on the election in Belarus
14 March 2006
The Party of European Socialists expresses its deep concern regarding the Presidential election campaign in Belarus, to be held the 19 March 2006.
Since February, candidates, campaign supporters, journalists and NGOs' activists have been harassed, beaten up or arrested. The PES, which brings together all of Europe’s social democratic, labour and socialist parties, considers this to be totally unacceptable.
The PES holds the Belarusian authorities responsible and accountable for ensuring the proper of the electoral campaign.
The PES demands that the elections be free and fair, with a genuine, open electoral contest.
The PES demands:
- Freedom for Candidates and supporters to be able to campaign freely
- Freedom of speech for the media and equal access for the candidates
- The right for the Electoral observers to be able to do their jobs
The PES calls the EU to maintain pressure on the regime of Mr Lukashenko and to take further measures and sanctions against the regime if the elections are not free and fair.
PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen said: “I urge the Belarusian authorities to prove that Belarus is not the last dictatorship in Europe, as it is commonly described. Belarus has a responsibility to comply with international democratic standards for free and fair elections. Europe is watching you! The people of Belarus have the right to be part of democratic Europe”.
For more information Julian scola, PES Press Officer, tel. +32 2 548 9080,
