As election day wraps up, there has yet to be any unrest in the streets of Minsk or elsewhere. One election observer from a Belarusian NGO informed that everything had gone smoothly. The opposition, however, has is preparing demonstrations on at least three major squares in Minsk. I have spoken with leaders from the two major youth organizations supporting opposition candidate Aleksandr Milinkevich who say they are prepared to bring thousands out into the streets when polls close at 8:00 (1:00pm EST). While worried about the prospect of violence, these activists say they are determined to bring about change in their country.
There is no question, it appears, that elections will be falsified. In the run-up to the polls there have been numerous violations of election rules. Opposition activists are arrested seemingly at random in an attempt to strike fear into their ranks. As I was speaking with one opposition member he recieved a call that a bus outside Pinks was stopped and that all young people on board were arrested. Still the two leaders with whom I have spoken have said that thousands have already arrived in the capital ready to demonstrate.
As of right now communication within the city is difficult. Opposition websites and news portals have been shut down and many expect that phones and email will be cut soon. Most of the preparations for this evening's protest have been carried out through word of mouth. Said one activist, "people have begun trusting in rumours."