On the day before presidential elections, the streets of the Belarusian capital, Minsk, remain quiet. Official election posters have just recently appeared in the city showing pictures and biographies of all the candidates. A large flat screen TV across from the ominous KGB headquarters shows a constant stream of adds telling people to "choose the best candidate." Still, there is only one candidate in this election. His face is everywhere: on signs in shop windows and on the TV. Still, I have rarely heard his name spoken aloud. All whom I have talked to refer to President Aleksandr Lukashenko as "He" and few doubt that he will loose this title after tomorrow. Two of my bunkmates in the train from Warsaw last night argued playfully over whether Lukashenko would receive 80% or 90% of the vote.
There are small signs of opposition, however. The occasional protest sticker over an official election poster, graffiti--these are indicators that not all of the populous accepts the status-quo.
In an hour there will be a flashmob and concert sponsored by the opposition on Bangalor square. This will be the first of many planned demonstrations before, during and after the election. Whether or not opposition candidate Aleksandr Milinkevich wins or not, these demonstrations will help to show the strength and unity of his supporters. This election could be the first step towards democratic change in the country or could usher in a long period of political stagnation. Everything now depends upon the desire and resolve of the people.