We have managed to establish three proto-state institutions outside of our country, institutions that have proven to be remarkably stable:
President-elect Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya;
United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus;
Coordination Council.
Simultaneously, we have witnessed the development of sustainable socio-political and civil initiatives, including the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the National Anti-Crisis Management, ByPol, BelPol, Honest People, Bysol, and many others. A network of representative offices for the Cabinet and people's embassies of Belarus in over 20 countries worldwide was established.
Independent media outlets and NGOs are functioning abroad, analytical centers and independent analysts contribute to our cause. Furthermore, we even have an opposition!
Collectively, these elements form a unique structure of democratic forces abroad, which serves as the foundation for our current endeavors and has the potential to ensure a successful transition period in the future. While I acknowledge the work of our institutions, including my own self-criticism, it is important to recognize that they have created a POLITICAL FRAMEWORK.
Therefore, we must ask ourselves whether we possess the will, strength, energy, and, most importantly, the desire to build upon this framework and continue our struggle.
What I would expect from the president-elect is the making of political decisions. I understand the importance of foreign policy work, but today we need political decisions to strengthen our institutions. I say this as an ally, and this is how my words should be perceived.
Regarding the United Transitional Cabinet, despite the lack of resources to fulfill its executive function, it continues to operate. However, the Cabinet must reinforce its personnel to effectively address the tasks ahead.
Currently, two positions remain vacant: the Representative for Law and Order (which I would refer to as Internal Affairs), and the Representative for Economics and Finance. It is important for these roles to be filled, and I believe that the Representative for Law and Order does not necessarily have to be a security officer. This individual could focus on domestic political work in Belarus and coordinate the activities of various structures to establish communication with those inside the country.
The second position, the Representative for Economics and Finance, should be responsible for seeking various forms of financing and developing the "Belarusian economy" abroad. The goal is to encourage Belarusian businesses to return to Belarus and support the domestic economy when the appropriate time comes.
As for the Coordination Council, elections to this body should serve as a collective campaign for the entire democratic movement. We require a representative institution, and the Coordination Council can fulfill this role through democratic elections.
Every voice of each Belarusian counts. Elections have been a proven method of governance for centuries, and I propose that the Constitutional Court be involved in the formation of the Cabinet. My suggestion is that 50 percent of the representatives in the Cabinet be appointed by the President-elect, and the remaining 50 percent be appointed by the Coordination Council.
Interparliamentary cooperation should be a priority area of activity for the Coordination Council.
To conduct elections for this body, it is crucial to assess available resources, test the platform, and establish a Central Election Commission (CEC).
Equally important is the clear division of functions and powers between these three institutions.
In my vision and proposals, the President-elect should have international representation at the highest level, the Coordination Council should focus on inter-parliamentary cooperation, and the Cabinet should carry out executive functions. These executive functions should be consolidated under one body, in line with the classical definition of the tasks assigned to these institutions.
As a representative of the transitional period, I consider it of utmost importance to hold the regime accountable for its crimes against the Belarusian people and other international offenses. Our diaspora must actively advocate for this cause, presenting a united front and pushing for a significant objective: to bring Lukashenko to the 2025 elections as a suspect of international crimes. This represents a crucial precondition for any meaningful change and has the potential to create divisions among the ruling elites. Furthermore, we must strive for an arrest warrant to be issued, as it could have a profound impact on a potential split within the elites. Not everyone will be willing to stand by Lukashenko's side if facing prosecution in The Hague.
However, above all else, we must focus on the Belarusians within our country. While being abroad presents us with new challenges, it is essential that we actively seek opportunities to work within our homeland. This should be an ongoing consideration for all of us, constantly searching for these opportunities and taking action. The Belarusian people are our most valuable asset.
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