Lukashenko: Election is the only legitimate way for transit of power

Presidential election is the only way for transit of power, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he spoke to the media on 21 January, BelTA has learned.

“They have started discussing this topic far and wide. I would say it for the 1,001st time: I do not recognize any transit of power except for the presidential election. The people will decide who will be the first, second, fifth person in the Belarusian state. I promise you this. There will be no pressure. I will not hold on to power if the election results show that people want another person for the top job. Then there will be a new president,” the head of state noted. “Why would I be concerned about this? The ball is now in your court, as you, the people, will have to decide who will be the next president: Lukashenko or someone else whom you do not know. Why would I bother and worry about this?"

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that he is responsible about the discharge of his presidential duties: "People showed their trust in me, and you see, I work. Whether I am fed up with this or not... No one will be able to reproach me for not fulfilling my official duties. I'm a village man. That was how we were raised in the village."

Talking about the political future, Aleksandr Lukashenko described the prospects as follows: "The country will hold the referendum, the people will support (or not) the constitutional amendments. Then, guided by the Constitution we will rebuild everything within two years, I think. There will be law and order in the country. No turning over cars, looting, offending your children... The transit and everything else will proceed in a quiet and calm way.”