Belarusian Party of Communists votes to change its name

The Belarusian Party of Communists (BPC) decided to change its name as 108 of 164 delegates to the party’s convention held in Minsk on May 23 voted to approve the proposal. Fifty-one delegates voted against the name change and five people abstained.

The gathering picked up, by preferential voting, three draft names that will be proposed for consideration at the party’s local organizations. The Belarusian Party of the Left received the most votes. The name was followed by the Party of Democracy and Justice and the Party "Radzima" (Motherland).

Also under discussion were the Party "New Line," the Party "Justice and People’s Power" and the Party "Just World."

A new name will be approved at the second part of the convention scheduled for September.

In an interview with BelaPAN, BPC Chairman Syarhey Kalyakin said that the party was set to become "more democratic."

At the May 23 convention, the party also considered changes to its charter.

Among the most significant draft amendments, Mr. Kalyakin mentioned the proposal that the party’s chair be elected at a party convention, not by its Central Committee as it is now.

Another draft provision would allow members to form factions behind specific platforms. "The lack of this provision now hinders the party in taking right decisions and makes it difficult for a minority to defend their position in a reasoned and organized manner," Mr. Kalyakin noted.
"Not just two people, but at least 10 percent of the party’s members would be entitled to develop platforms," he said.

One more provision would "give an opportunity to people to work in areas of their interest," he said, explaining that youths’ or women’s groups would offer their solutions to relevant matters.

The draft changes are to be discussed at the BPC’s local organizations and then submitted for approval at the second part of the convention.