Presidential elections in Belarus are scheduled to be held March 19, against the backdrop of stepped up repression by the regime of Alexander Lukashenka. The Belarusian strongman’s power grab, begun a decade ago, has included liquidation of the democratically elected parliament, a string of fundamentally flawed elections and manipulation of the country’s constitution to maintain power. A climate of fear following the disappearance of leading opposition figures in 1999 has continued with the harassment and arrests of opposition activists and the forced closure of independent newspapers. Rights violations in Belarus have intensified in the aftermath of the Orange Revolution in neighboring Ukraine, as the regime seeks to squelch dissent. The repressive environment has made it difficult for opposition candidates to engage in normal campaign activities. Meanwhile, administration of the elections at all levels remains firmly in the hands of Lukashenka loyalists.
Members
Hon. Sam Brownback
Chairman
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Hon. Chris Smith
Co-Chairman
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Hon. Benjamin Cardin
Ranking Member
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Witnesses
Hon. David Kramer
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eursasian Affairs
Department of State
Iryna Vidanava
Editor-in-Chief
Students’ Thoughts
Stephen Nix
Regional Program Director, Eurasia
International Republican Institute
Patrick Merloe
Director of Programs on Election Processes
National Democratic Institute
Rodger Potocki
Senior Program Officer for East Central Europe
National Endowment for Democracy
Celeste Wallander
Director and Senior Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Program
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Relevant Issues
Leadership
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