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Alyaksey Yanukevich reelected chairman of Belarusian Popular Front

Alyaksey Yanukevich was reelected chairman of the Belarusian Popular Front (BPF) in an uncontested vote at the opposition party’s convention in Minsk on September 10.

As many as 168 delegates representing all of the country’s six regions and the city of Minsk attended the event held at the Minsk Tractor Works’ Palace of Culture. Of these, 132 delegates voted for Mr. Yanukevich’s reelection, while 18 voted against.

Mr. Yanukevich was reelected unrivaled after BPF members Vasil Ramanaw and Syarhey Malchyk withdrew from the vote.

Speaking after the vote, Mr. Yanukevich said, "A vote has been held to determine whether or not they support the line taken by the party two years ago, which has been implemented by the current leadership and me personally. I think that this is an absolutely normal situation that we have received support."

Mr. Yanukevich noted that the party would work to win wider popular support through information campaigns and contribute to building a single and strong national democratic force.

BPF Deputy Chairman Ihar Lyalkow said that the vote had been uncontested because a consensus on Mr. Yanukevich's candidacy had been reached. "I don't think that everyone treats Yanukevich as an irreplaceable person or an icon, it just so happens that the party has a consensus on the matter," he said.

The delegates also voted to prohibit a person from chairing the party for more than two consecutive terms and extend the maximum duration of BPF chairmanship from two to three years.

However, since the new rules took effect after the expiry of Mr. Yanukevich’s first term at the part’s helm, he will have the right to seek his second reelection in three years’ time. //BelaPAN