Alyaksandr Lukashenka has shed light on the dates of holding the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2019-2020 when delivering the State of the Nation Address to the Belarusian people and the National Assembly on April, 19.
The exact dates of the two campaigns have been wrapped in mystery for long. In February, Lidziya Yarmoshyna, Chairperson of the Belarusian Central Election Commission (CEC), said that it was still unknown whether the parliamentary or presidential campaign would kick off in the autumn of 2019.
“I have no idea why this has suddenly become some sort of theme for disputes. We have the law, the Constitution. You know perfectly well that I will not shift things around seeking opportunities to cling on to power. Some so-called politicians suggest holding the presidential election this year citing the stable economic situation, more or less favourable conditions,” state-run news agency BelTA quotes Lukashenka.
“I will not be looking for some opportunity to stay in power. The presidential election is be held in 2020, and it will take place in 2020 in accordance with the law. And this year, the parliamentary election will be conducted, which will be the test not only for the vertical of power, but for voters as well,” he stressed.
In particular, Lukashenka decided to schedule the parliamentary election for a day close to November 7, when another anniversary of the so-called October revolution is marked.
