Aleksandr Lukashenko partakes in Belarus President election

On 11 October Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko took part in the presidential election. He cast his vote at polling station No. 1.

The head of state talked to Belarusian and foreign observers and voters at the polling station. Aleksandr Lukashenko also answered the questions of the representatives of Belarusian and foreign mass media about the organization of the election process, other political topics, including issues on the international agenda.

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that Belarus is holding elections in line with its Constitution and laws.

“Maybe you know international standards. I do not. I would like you to get me familiar with the standards we should comply with. It is a rhetoric question. I said more than once that we conduct our elections in line with the Constitution and the country’s legislation. We have laws and the Constitution which are recognized worldwide,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said that he heard the assessment of those who take an open look at the country’s political process during the current election campaign. “They very positively assess not only the presidential election campaign, early voting, the organization of the process but also our electoral laws. For instance, some do not like early voting, but the United States, the stronghold of democracy, conduct early voting months ahead of the election day. Thus, before you start criticizing us, go and build up this process there first,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state stressed, “If we want to comply with certain standards, let us work them out either within the UN as we suggested together with Russia, or within the OSCE as we suggested on behalf of the CIS and the EEU. If we adopt and sign such standards, we will stay committed to them.”

The President stressed that the main principle of his 20-year policy is “everything should be calm, without revolutions”, especially in the economic sector. He stressed that he is ready for any reforms. However, he doubts if people need them. lexander Lukashenko stressed that he had promised Belarusians he would act as they wish. “I do as you like. If you give me carte blanche to any change and revolutionary transformation, if you want it, we will do it,” he said.

Speaking about international issues, Aleksandr Lukashenko underlined that Belarus will never be a venue for an attack on any state.

There will be peace in Ukraine soon, and this question will be irrelevant, Aleksandr Lukashenko believes. In his words, it pertains not only to Ukraine.

“However, God help those who will decide to approach our borders with weapons,” the Belarusian head of state added.

“Let’s live in peace. We don’t need wars. They are everywhere. Small and big conflicts, cold and hot wars. Stop! We are brothers. What do Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians divide? They have nothing to divide. We must live in peace without bothering each other and interfering in the domestic affairs of any states,” the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that if he wins Belarus will not just remain a friendly country for Russia. “Russia is a fraternal and the closest country for us. We are close nations and close countries, and we will be committed to this position and, of course, will have our own position forever,” the President stressed.

The Belarusian head of state also commented on the possibility to deploy a Russian airbase in Belarus.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that he had not discussed this issue with Russia President Vladimir Putin. He doubted that Russia was ready and was going to set up such an airbase in Belarus because it would cost a lot of money. He added that there is no sense in deploying a Russian airbase in Belarus.

If the West has intention to improve relations with Belarus, no one and nothing will hamper it, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that this election and not only this event may bring improvements to the relations between Belarus and the West only if the West wishes it. “Everything the West wished to see ahead of the presidential election in Belarus has been done,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko. “If the West wants to improve relations with Belarus, no one and nothing will hamper it,” he added.

The head of state said that Belarus’ relations with the People’s Republic of China have never been closer, kinder, or more strategically important than they are now. “We are going to advance our relations the way we’ve been doing it up till now. We are going to move only forward in developing our relations with China,” stressed the Belarusian leader. Aleksandr Lukashenko thanked the Chinese side for support and aid provided to Belarus at a difficult time. “I thank you for everything, credit and investment support, shipments and purchases of Belarusian equipment and vehicles by China. We have virtually no problems in relations with China now,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

One of the reporters noted that the election could have been cancelled due to the state of affairs in the Belarusian economy. Aleksandr Lukashenko responded by saying: “Who told you this crisis is so bad?” Yet the head of state noted that some people would have applauded such a decision.

In his opinion, the legacy the winner will bring out of the presidential race is important.

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko told media today that if he is elected, he will have to secure very rapid advancement and the nation’s safety.

The head of state noted: “If we work, we will have everything. Belarus has everything in order to live a normal life. But before demanding something from the president, you have to look at yourself and think whether you are doing everything in order to live well. If you work day and night and don’t have a good salary (although the comparison is more suitable for Soviet times), then something is wrong, then the government has to do something. But if you slack off and want to enjoy Western living standards, how can we live well then? You have to look at yourself before demanding something from the government. As far as I am concerned, you have to demand from me always because you elect me.”

The President stressed that the Belarusian nation is talented, wise, and smart.