These documents describe the formation of a civilian monitoring group and a digital platform designed to oversee the 2020 Belarusian presidential election. The initiative aims to unite various opposition candidates and their supporters to prevent the illegal use of state resources by the incumbent leader. Through the dacha.work portal, organizers provide technical resources for activists to create candidate portfolios and facilitate online political discourse during the pandemic. The text also highlights the use of social media polls to gauge public sentiment, showing significant support for figures like Sergei Tikhanovsky and Viktor Babariko. Additionally, the materials offer practical guidance for staging peaceful protests and ensuring legal compliance during the signature collection process. Ultimately, the sources advocate for civic solidarity and transparency to return governing power to the Belarusian people.
The COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted both the strategies of political actors and the nature of public participation during the 2020 Belarusian presidential election.
Influence on Election Strategies
The pandemic led to a shift in how candidates and organizations approached the campaign, focusing on health risks and digital alternatives:
- Boycotts and Refusal to Participate: Some democratic opposition forces and media outlets, such as the editorial board of Charter97.org, chose to withdraw from or refuse to cover the elections until the epidemiological situation improved. This decision was framed as a necessary step to save the lives and health of Belarusians by avoiding mass gatherings during the peak of the epidemic.
- Safety Protocols for Physical Campaigning: For those who continued to campaign, there was a strong emphasis on health precautions. Organizers of pickets, signature collection drives, and rallies were urged to ensure participants used protective equipment and maintained safe distancing in crowded areas. Candidates were also reminded of their responsibility not to endanger the lives of their voters.
- Digital Transformation: Due to the risks of physical interaction, there was a push toward online platforms. Candidates were encouraged to use personal websites and secure portals for online discussions, video conferences, and the presentation of their political programs.
- Economic Messaging: Strategies also adapted to the pandemic’s economic impact. For example, some resources focused on providing guidance for online self-employment and remote work to help citizens maintain income during the “epidemic and unemployment” period.
Influence on Public Participation
The pandemic altered how the public engaged with the political process, moving much of the activity online and creating a point of contention regarding the incumbent:
- Shift to Social Media and Online Polls: Public interest and participation shifted heavily toward digital spaces. Thousands of citizens participated in surveys on Telegram channels like “Belarus of the Brain,” where they expressed preferences for alternative candidates like Sergei Tikhanovsky and Viktor Babariko.
- Concerns over Physical Events: Participation in traditional mass events was viewed as a high-risk activity that could facilitate the spread of the virus. This led to a reliance on digital tools for voters to stay in contact with campaign groups across various towns and villages.
- Public Sentiment and the Incumbent: The government’s handling of the crisis became a focal point of public debate. While a small minority praised the incumbent for not “abandoning the people during this difficult and simple time,” many citizens expressed frustration, accusing the leadership of losing touch with reality.