Public associations are more active than political parties during elections in Belarus

Public associations are more active than many political parties during elections in Belarus. The opinion was voiced by Professor Alexander Ivanovsky, Doctor of Engineering, First Prorector of the Public Administration Academy under the President of the Republic of Belarus, in an interview with the Narodnaya Gazeta newspaper, BelTA has learned.

Speaking about what measures could encourage the development of the political party system in the country, Alexander Ivanovsky said that many factors have to be taken into account. “Global tendencies indicate that classic political parties of the 20th century have changed essentially. They used to cater to specific classes. Now it would be a good idea to say that they target specific audiences,” believes the expert. “People with different social standings even in different countries may share the same values. As a result, new technologies to mobilize people become available.”

According to Alexander Ivanovsky, in Belarus public associations develop more vigorously. “These days during elections they operate much more actively than many political parties. I could mention Belaya Rus, the Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM), the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB). I could also single out the Belarusian Women Union,” said the expert.

Speaking about ways to nominate candidates for parliamentary seats — candidates can be nominated by collecting signatures, political parties and labor collectives can nominate their candidates, the expert noted that all of them have the right to exist. “The nomination methods complement each other. They allow any citizen with an initiative, persistence, and a number of other qualities to get nominated as a candidate,” said Alexander Ivanovsky.