Belarus Program Summary While many of the countries of the former Soviet Union have made steps toward democracy since gaining independence, Belarus has experienced stagnation under the dictatorship of President Aleksander Lukashenko. Elected in 1994, Lukashenko’s rule has become progressively autocratic. In the midst of this repressive regime, pro-democratic forces have joined together to bring democratic change to their country. Following the creation of the Unified Democratic Forces (UDF), the coalition has participated in all major elections. Following the January 14, 2007, local elections, which again violated international standards, and due to an increase in repression against the opposition, including a mounting list of political prisoners, the U.S. government applied additional pressure on the Belarusian government. During this period, the UDF prepared for the 2008 parliamentary elections. After developing public campaigns focused on the removal of social benefits and European integration, the UDF turned its attention to developing a single list of candidates for the elections with the goal of one candidate for each district. The UDF submitted its list of candidates to the Central Election Commission but only 78 candidates were approved to participate in the parliamentary elections. Despite the vigilant efforts of the UDF to register and get out the vote, the September 28 elections again violated international standards and no opposition members were allowed to take seats. The UDF is now focus on its post-election strategy and strengthening its role in society as a viable alternative to the Lukashenko regime. In March 2009, the UDF adopted a platform to fight the economic crisis in Belarus and has been active in disseminating a message of change throughout Belarus. The International Republican Institute (IRI) began assisting Belarusians in their struggle for democratic change in 1997, working in several key areas: political party strengthening, coalition building, women’s initiatives and youth leadership development. These programs are the foundation of IRI’s mission to support democratic organizations and help their leaders and activists prepare for public policy roles in a future democratic Belarus. Political Party and Candidate Development Belarus’ political parties are determined to build and improve their country and put it on a path towards freedom and democracy. In order to achieve this goal, 10 political parties and more than 200 nongovernmental organizations, formed a coalition, the UDF, with a stated objective of “creating a democratic, prosperous, European Belarus.” In 2009, IRI worked with the UDF and its leadership as it developing message and strategy to run issue-based campaigns in Minsk and throughout the regions of Belarus. IRI also trained candidates in campaign techniques including using technology to disseminate their message to a wide audience. Youth Leadership Development To ensure the future of democracy in Belarus, IRI is training the next generation of political leaders by offering them cross-cultural exchanges and trainings. The exchanges offer the Belarusian youth a forum in which they can freely discuss the issues that challenge them and devise strategies to tackle those issues while cultivating contacts and building networks with like-minded activists in neighboring countries. In July 2009, IRI held trainings on message development and social networking websites as tools for campaigns for more than 30 Belarusian youth activists. Women’s Initiatives Women’s participation is vital to the lasting success of any democracy. IRI is working with political party leaders to encourage the inclusion of qualified women candidates in all elections and in the development of party messages which resonate with women voters. In June 2009, IRI’s Belarus program hosted an exchange for politically active Belarusian women focusing on political and governance processes in Lithuania. The exchange connected the women with their Lithuanian counterparts in Vilnius and in the regions of Lithuania to discuss strategies which can be applied to the situation in Belarus. .