Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Heorhiyeuna Tsikhanouskaya or Svetlana Georgiyevna Tikhanovskaya (née Pilipchuk; Belarusian: Святлана Георгіеўна Ціханоўская (Піліпчук) [sʲvʲaˈtlana ɣʲɛˈɔrɣʲijɛwna t͡sʲixaˈnɔwskaja pʲilʲipˈt͡ʂuk];[lower-alpha 1] Russian: Светлана Георгиевна Тихановская (Пилипчук) [svʲɪˈtlanə ɡʲɪˈorɡʲɪ(j)ɪvnə tʲɪxɐˈnofskəjə pʲɪlʲɪpˈtɕuk]; born 11 September 1982) is a Belarusian human rights activist and politician who ran for the 2020 Belarusian presidential election as the main opposition candidate. She is married to activist Sergei Tikhanovsky, who was a candidate for the same election until his arrest on 29 May 2020; she subsequently announced her intention to run in his place.

In this Eastern Slavic name, the patronymic is Heorhiyeuna and the family name is Tsikhanouskaya.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Святлана Ціханоўская
Светлана Тихановская
Tsikhanouskaya in November 2020
Personal details
Born
Sviatlana Heorhiyeuna Pilipchuk

(1982-09-11) 11 September 1982
Mikashevichy, Byelorussian SSR, Soviet Union (now Belarus)
NationalityBelarusian
Political partyIndependent
Spouse(s)
​
(m. 2004)​
Children2
Alma materMozyr State Pedagogical University
OccupationTeacher, interpreter, politician

The incumbent Alexander Lukashenko was officially declared the victor in a contest marred by allegations of widespread electoral fraud.[1] Subsequently, Tsikhanouskaya claimed to have received between 60 and 70% of the vote[2][3] and has appealed to Western countries to recognise her as the winner, although they instead called for a re-run and no longer recognise Lukashenko as President.[4]

Biography

Before running for president, Tsikhanouskaya was an English teacher[5][6] and interpreter.[7] She spent many summers in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, Ireland, as part of a programme for children affected by the Chernobyl disaster.[8] She is married to YouTuber, blogger, and activist Sergei Tikhanovsky, who was arrested in May 2020.[6] The couple have a son and a daughter.[5]

2020 presidential campaign

After her husband's arrest on 29 May, Tsikhanouskaya announced her intention to run in his place. She registered as an Independent candidate on 14 July 2020.[9] After registering, she was endorsed by the campaigns of Valery Tsepkalo and Viktar Babaryka, two prominent opposition politicians who were barred from registering, with one being arrested and the other fleeing the country. A photo of Tsikhanouskaya with Maria Kolesnikova, Babaryka's campaign chief, and Veronika Tsepkalo, Valery Tsepkalo's wife, has become a symbol of her campaign.[10]

The night before the election, police detained senior staffers from Tsikhanouskaya's campaign and she chose to go into hiding in Minsk, before re-emerging on election day at a polling station.[11]

Harassment

Before the presidential campaign, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko insisted the country was not ready for a female president.[12] Her campaign began as Amnesty International condemned Belarus's discriminatory treatment of women opposition activists, including threats of sexual violence[13] and threats by authorities to take children away from opposition figures and send them to state-run orphanages.[13][14] In response to the threats, Tsikhanouskaya sent her children abroad to live with their grandmother.[14][5][15] She has said she has repeatedly been threatened,[16] recounting a phone call saying, "We will put you behind bars and place your children in an orphanage."[5] Tsikhanouskaya said she nevertheless decided to persevere in her campaign: "There must be a symbol of freedom."[5]

Platform

Tsikhanouskaya said that she ran for president out of love, to free her husband from prison.[17] She has vowed to free all political prisoners in Belarus, to introduce democratic reforms to the country, and to move away from the union treaty with Russia, which many Belarusian opposition figures view as an infringement on the country's sovereignty.[5] She has also pledged to set a referendum on returning to the original draft of the 1994 Belarusian constitution, reinstating a limit of two terms for the president.[11][18] She has said that her main goal is to establish free and fair elections. She views the current election as illegitimate due to the government's refusal to register Lukashenko's main political opponents as candidates. She has pledged to deliver a plan for transparent and accountable elections within six months of taking office.[19]

Tsikhanouskaya's economic platform emphasizes increasing the importance of small and medium sized businesses in the Belarusian economy. She plans to offer interest free loans to small and medium sized businesses, cancel state inspections of private entities and provide legal protection for foreign investors. Tsikhanouskaya intends to allow profitable state owned enterprises to continue to operate, while requiring unprofitable state owned enterprises to get help from outside professionals.[20]

Supporters
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at a rally in Vitebsk on 24 July 2020

Though running as an independent, Tsikhanouskaya has attracted support from across the spectrum of Belarus's political opposition. Vital Rymašeŭski, co-leader of Belarusian Christian Democracy, announced his party's support, as did the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Assembly), United Civic Party of Belarus and Belarusian Women's Party "Nadzieja".[21][22] She has also received support from 2010 presidential candidate Mikola Statkevich.[22] Ivonka Survilla, President of the Rada of the Belarusian People's Republic expressed her support for Tsikhanouskaya.[23]

Rallies in support of Tsikhanouskaya and in opposition to Lukashenko have been the largest in the history of post-Soviet Belarus, attracting crowds of 20,000 in Brest and 60,000 in Minsk.[5]

Official results

The official results published by the Central Election Commission of Belarus[24][25] gave Tsikhanouskaya 588,622 votes, or 10.12% of the vote, to Lukashenko's 80.10%. However, allegations of wide-spread fraud were immediately made public, including a formal complaint to the Central Election Commission (CEC) by Tsikhanouskaya.[26]

Election aftermath

Exile

After the elections, Tsikhanouskaya was forced to flee to Lithuania in fear of repercussions, which could have possibly affected her children.[27] On 11 August, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius announced that Tsikhanouskaya was "safe" in Lithuania while also acknowledging that she had "few options".[28] The President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda spoke with her upon arrival in Lithuania. On 11 August, the KGB of Belarus announced that an attempt was being made on Tsikhanouskaya's life, saying that the protesters needed a "sacred sacrifice".[29] Polish government has allotted a residence for Tsikhanouskaya and other members of the Belarusian opposition in the Praga-Południe district of Warsaw. She opened the residence along with the Belarusian House in Warsaw during a visit to Warsaw a couple days later where she met with Polish Premier Mateusz Morawiecki.[30] Her fellow opposition activist Valery Tsepkalo has also moved to Poland from Ukraine.[31]

Coordination Council
Main article: Coordination Council (Belarus)
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna in October 2020

On 14 August, Tsikhanouskaya released a video in which she claimed to have defeated Lukashenko in the first round by a decisive margin, with as little as 60% of the vote and as much as 70%.[2][3] She appealed to the international community to recognise her as the winner.[32] Tsikhanouskaya also announced the establishment of a Coordination Council to handle the transfer of power from Lukashenko.[3] Applications for membership in the council were open to any Belarusian citizen who recognised the election as having been falsified, and who was trusted by a social group by being an authoritative figure such as a doctor, a teacher, a business leader, an author or a sportsperson.[33]

On 17 August, Tsikhanouskaya released a video where she stated that she was ready to head a transitional government[34][35] and organise a new, free and fair presidential election.[36]

On 20 August, Lithuanian prime minister Saulius Skvernelis invited Tsikhanouskaya to his office and publicly referred to her as "the national leader of Belarus".[37] On 31 August, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya was invited to address the United Nations Security Council.[38]

On 8 September, Tsikhanouskaya addressed the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. She called for sanctions against Lukashenko, and "stated that Lukashenko doesn't have any legitimacy after stealing the vote, warning other countries against making any deals with the Belarussian government", and said that "He does not represent Belarus any more."[39]

On 9 September, Tsikhanouskaya said that the Belarusian opposition wants to have good relations with all nations, including Russia: "We cannot turn away from Russia because it will always be our neighbor, and we need to have good relations with them."[40]

On 10 September, a law was passed by the Lithuanian Parliament which recognises Tsikhanouskaya as the "elected leader of the people of Belarus" and the Coordination Council as the "only legitimate representatives of the Belarusian people". The resolution also declares that Lukashenko is an "illegitimate leader".[41]

On 17 September 2020, the European Parliament recognised the coordination council as the "interim representation of the people" of Belarus.[42]

That same day, she released a black list of OMON officers, dubbed "Taraikovsky's List" after Alexander Taraikovsky who was killed by the OMON.[43]

Awards

Tsikhanouskaya was on the list of the BBC's 100 Women announced on 23 November 2020.[44] She was also included in the 2020 edition of The Bloomberg 50.[45]

Tsikhanouskaya was nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize by President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda and multiple Norwegian members of parliament.[46][47][48]

Notes
  1. also Śviatłana Hieorhijeŭna Cichanoŭskaja in the Belarusian Latin alphabet

References
  1. "Lukashenka vs. democracy: Where is Belarus heading?". AtlanticCouncil. 10 August 2020. Archived from the original on 12 August 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020. However, the vote was marred by allegations of widespread fraud. These suspicions appeared to be confirmed by data from a limited number of polling stations that broke ranks with the government and identified opposition candidate Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya as the clear winner.
  2. "Belarus election: Exiled leader calls weekend of 'peaceful rallies'". BBC News. 14 August 2020. Archived from the original on 19 August 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  3. "Belarus opposition candidate declares victory | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News". www3.nhk.or.jp. 14 August 2020. Archived from the original on 16 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  4. "Тихановская готовится объявить себя победительницей выборов в Беларуси – пресс-секретарь". gordonua.com. Archived from the original on 18 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  5. Ex-teacher hopes to free Belarus from president's iron fist Archived 7 August 2020 at the Wayback Machine, Associated Press (4 August 2020).
  6. Bennetts, Marc (6 June 2020). Written at Moscow. "Svetlana Tikhanovskaya: Housewife steps into election fight with Belarus strongman Lukashenko". The Times. London. Archived from the original on 24 August 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  7. Tsikhanouskaya: Belarus Authorities Are Scared Because So Many People Oppose Them Archived 9 August 2020 at the Wayback Machine, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (4 August 2020).
  8. "News At One: Belarus leader of the opposition Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's ties to Roscrea, County Tipperary". www.rte.ie. Archived from the original on 16 August 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  9. "In Belarus, 3 Women Unite to Fight Strongman Lukashenko" Archived 22 July 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Moscow Times. 20 July 2020.
  10. Bennetts, Marc (20 July 2020). Written at Moscow. "Wife of jailed blogger steps up to fight Lukashenko of Belarus". The Times. London. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  11. Roth, Andrew; Auseyushkin, Yan (9 August 2020). Written at Moscow and Minsk. "Opposition candidate comes out of hiding as Belarus votes". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  12. "'Female solidarity': In Belarus, three women unite to fight strongman Lukashenko" Archived 22 July 2020 at the Wayback Machine RTL. 17 July 2020.
  13. "Belarus: Authorities threatening women political activists ahead of election" Archived 23 July 2020 at the Wayback Machine, Amnesty International. 17 July 2020.
  14. Max Seddon, Support surges for wife of jailed Belarus YouTuber fighting Lukashenko's grip Archived 7 August 2020 at the Wayback Machine, Financial Times (31 July 2020).
  15. "Belarus presidential candidate sends her children abroad after threats" Archived 22 July 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Reuters. 20 July 2020.
  16. Karmanau, Yuras (19 July 2020). "Belarus rally for presidential challenger largest in years". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 23 July 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  17. "Newsday: The female politicians of Belarus taking on a male president who has been in power for more than two decades" Archived 22 July 2020 at the Wayback Machine. BBC World Service. 22 July 2020.
  18. Дашчынскі, Алесь. ""Можа прынесьці прысягу на вернасьць Канстытуцыі 1994 году". Ціханоўская абяцае новыя выбары. Ці законна гэта?". Радыё Свабода (in Belarusian). Archived from the original on 30 July 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  19. "«У Лукашэнкі вельмі нізкі рэйтынг». Што Ціханоўская сказала ў сваім першым выступе на тэлевізіі." Archived 22 July 2020 at the Wayback Machine Radio Svaboda. 21 July 2020.
  20. "Что предлагают в экономике альтернативные кандидаты в президенты: читаем предвыборные программы". bel.biz. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  21. "БСДП (Грамада) заклікала галасаваць за Ціханоўскую і адстойваць права на свабодныя выбары." Archived 23 July 2020 at the Wayback Machine Radio Svaboda. 23 July 2020.
  22. "Статкевіч, Кавалькова, Хашчавацкі, АГП і БХД. Хто падтрымлівае Сьвятлану Ціханоўскую." Archived 22 July 2020 at the Wayback Machine Radio Svaboda. 22 July 2020.
  23. Moloney, Anastasia (26 August 2020). "'Keep on Fighting', veteran female leader tells young Belarusians". Reuters. Archived from the original on 26 August 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  24. ЦИК огласил окончательные итоги выборов. За Лукашенко проголосовало 80,1%, за Тихановскую — 10,1%. TUT.BY (in Russian). 14 August 2020. Archived from the original on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  25. "Выборы Президента Республики Беларусь 9 августа 2020". vybary2020.by. Archived from the original on 1 June 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  26. "Challenger fled Belarus 'for sake of her children'". BBC News. 12 August 2020. Archived from the original on 11 August 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  27. Kennedy, Rachael (11 August 2020). "Belarus election: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya made 'independent' decision to flee to Lithuania". Euronews. Archived from the original on 9 September 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  28. "Belarus opposition leader 'had few options' - Lithuanian FM". news.yahoo.com. Reuters. 11 August 2020. Archived from the original on 22 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  29. "Тихановская в видеообращении объяснила отъезд из Белоруссии" (in Russian). Moscow: RIA Novosti. 11 August 2020. Archived from the original on 18 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  30. "All political forces in Poland united in fighting for the respect of Belarusians' rights, said Prime Minister during his meeting with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya". Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland. 9 September 2020. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  31. Ciobanu, Claudia (9 September 2020). Written at Warsaw. "Exiled Belarusian Opposition Leaders Find New Home in Poland". Balkan Insight. The Balkans. Archived from the original on 8 October 2020. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  32. "Тихановская готовится объявить себя победительницей выборов в Беларуси – пресс-секретарь". Gordonua.com (in Russian). 16 August 2020. Archived from the original on 18 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  33. Grekowicz, Nikita (16 August 2020). "Łukaszence został już tylko Putin, Cichanouska wzywa do lokalnego przejmowania władzy". OKO.press (in Polish). Archived from the original on 16 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  34. "NEXTA Live Translated to English | Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has written a new appeal to Belarusians". t.me. 17 August 2020. Archived from the original on 22 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020. I am ready to take responsibility and act as a national leader during this period. In order for the country to calm down, it has entered a normal rhythm.
  35. Euronews with DPA (17 August 2020). "Tsikhanouskaya says she can be 'national leader' as strikes sweep Belarus". Euronews. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  36. Teslova, Elena (17 August 2020). "Belarus: Opposition leader says 'ready to lead country'". Anadolu Agency. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  37. Skvernelis, Saulius (20 August 2020). Written at Vilnius. "Susitikau su Baltarusijos nacionaline... - Saulius Skvernelis | Facebook". Facebook (in Lithuanian). Menlo Park, California. Archived from the original on 23 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  38. "Svetlana Tikhanovskaya: Belarus opposition leader to address UN Security Council". BBC News. 31 August 2020. Archived from the original on 3 September 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  39. Karmanau, Yuras (8 September 2020). Written at Kyiv. "Belarussian protest leader detained after resisting attempts to deport her to Ukraine". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. The Associated Press. Archived from the original on 9 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  40. "Belarus opposition leader: Foreign mediation may be needed". Associated Press. 9 September 2020. Archived from the original on 11 September 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  41. "Dėl neteisėtos ir Baltarusijai Rusijos primetamos sąjungos" (in Lithuanian). Lietuvos Respublikos Seimas. 9 September 2020. Archived from the original on 3 October 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  42. "MEPs call for EU sanctions against Belarusian President and Navalny's poisoners". European Parliament. 17 September 2020. Archived from the original on 17 September 2020. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  43. Mandalia, Bhavi (17 September 2020). "Tikhanovskaya announced the preparation of a "black list" of Lukashenka's punishers". PledgeTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2 October 2020. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  44. "BBC 100 Women 2020: Who is on the list this year?". BBC News. 23 November 2020. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  45. "Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya on this year's Bloomberg 50 list". belsat.eu. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
  46. "Flere fredsprisforslag før fristen gikk ut". Aftenposten. Norwegian News Agency. 31 January 2021.
  47. "Hektisk nomineringsaktivitet før fredsprisfrist". Dagsavisen. 31 January 2021.
  48. "Lithaunian president nominates Belarus opposition leader for Nobel Peace Prize". Lithuanian National Radio and Television. 31 January 2021. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.