Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko commented on his plans to take part in Belarus' presidential election in 2020 and 2025 as he talked to the media after casting his ballot at the elections to the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus on 17 November.
According to BelTA, Aleksandr Lukashenko said he is not holding to the post but believes it is right to offer his candidacy when people will be making their choice. According to him, he has repeatedly answered questions about his plans to run for the future presidential election.
“If people do not support me, I will not be offended. I have already worked at the post for many years. It is up to you to decide whether I need to run for the office in the coming election or not.” Lukashenko said, quoted by BelTA.
“If people appreciate the stability, calm and confident development of the state, its sovereignty, i.e. the policy pursued by the current president, they should initiate this nomination themselves. Indeed, we are not rich. This is not because Lukashenko is bad or because we do not work well and do not have what they have in Russia and other countries [natural energy resources]. We are creating our own wealth with our own hands. Understanding this, you need to ask me to run for the post,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko. “I will suggest my candidacy in this election. If I see that you are absolutely against me, I will be upset, of course. Nevertheless, you will have to say no to my candidacy in the election. I promise that I would not hold on to the post. Believe me, this job is not easy,” he said. “Do not think that the presidential power in our country is a reign, as some people say. Apparently, they understand this position like this,” Belarusian president added.
As for the deadline for holding the presidential election, it should take place no later than August 2020 and there are no plans to bring it forward.
