Tsikhanouskaya Ready to Become Belarusian Leader

Alexander Lukashenko’s opponent at the presidential elections in Belarus says that she didn’t plan a political career, but “fate decided so”. The presidential candidate of Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya stated tshe is ready to become a national leader in the country so that Belarus "calms down and enters a normal rhythm." NEXTA Live Telegram channel published Tsikhanouskaya's video message on Monday, August 17. During her leadership period, it will be necessary to release political prisoners and prepare the legislative framework and conditions for organizing new presidential elections, Tsikhanouskaya said. “I have no, and had no illusions, I never wanted to become a politician. But fate decided so that I was on the very front line of confrontation with arbitrariness,” Tsikhanouskaya said. She says she admires the courage and organization of the protesters, but promises to “admit” sincerely repentant government supporters. As reported, the main opposition candidate initiated creating a Coordinating Council to ensure the transfer of power in the country and called on European countries to help arrange a dialogue with Belarusian authorities. Recall, according to the CEC, Alexander Lukashenko once again won the presidential elections, gaining 80.1% while 10.1% voted for Tsikhanouskaya.