Belarus Moves Towards More Freedom With Legislature Elections

There are several nations that interrupt the border between Europe and Russia that are still in a form of political and social turmoil, stemming from the breakup of the USSR in 1991. Belarus is an extreme example of one of these nations and has been called by the Index of Economic Freedom “repressed.” Reporters without Borders commented in their 2013-2014 Freedom Index that they were indeed one of the worst countries for press freedom. While some may believe these lofty and authoritative institutions may have other political machinations at their stead, the most plain example of any oppressed people comes from the power structure.

Since 1994, three years after the breakup of the Soviet Union, President Alexander Lukashenko has been in power. Since 1996, no opposing party (those opposing Lukashenko) have held any seats in the legislature. Thankfully, a democratic swing may be in progress. Two parliament seats have passed to two different parties. The first is Elena Anisim. Anisim is an independent who is known for dealing with the opposing side of Lukashenko. The other is a member of the United Civil Party, Anna Konopatskaya. This perhaps results from Western countries looking towards Belarus and clamoring for elections with more realistic results.

While this may be a result of democratic European countries, the citizens of Belarus have been boycotting voting until they feel as though their voice could be heard. This new election has opened the rusted gates of the Cold War and expanded relations. Other developments in Belarus that have greased the wheels are the liberation of prisoners of political infractions, Belarus’ critical view of Russia’s annexation and dealings in Crimea and the way in which it is mediating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. While Belarus may not be a country vivid and poignant on people’s screens, it comes as good news that it is moving towards a more free state.

Image via Wikimedia Commons (Alexander Lukashenko)