None of the 22 candidates representing Novaye Pakalenne (New Generation), a coalition of nine opposition youth groups, were elected to local soviets in Belarus’ April 20-25 local elections.

Fifty-three representatives of Novaye Pakalenne planned to run in the elections, but many of them made errors in their registration applications or submitted invalid signatures and were therefore denied access to the ballot, Zmitser Dashkevich, chairman of Malady Front, a member organization of the coalition, told BelaPAN.

The coalition was under no illusion that its candidates could win any seats in local soviets in the current conditions, Mr. Dashkevich said.

"Nevertheless, the elections gave young people electioneering experience and taught them how to file applications and other skills," he said. "As a result, they will be able to win when the country gets a democratic government and holds fair elections."

The former candidates are now aware of their local problems and will continue campaigning in their neighborhoods to solve them, Mr. Dashkevich said. "Although they have formally lost, they have won public support, which is more important," he said.

Novaye Pakalenne includes, among other groups, the young wings the Belarusian Popular Front, the United Civic Party, Belarusian Christian Democracy and the Narodnaya Hramada Belarusian Social Democratic Party.

The coalition aims to defend the independence of Belarus, promote Belarusian culture, press for the release of people viewed as political prisoners and contribute to closer ties between Belarus and the European Union.

By Syarhey Pulsha
BelaPAN