Belarus’ youth reflect on the importance of voting and traits of good deputy
With just over a week to go until Single Voting Day, every Belarusian has the opportunity to make their mark on their country's history by casting their vote for a candidate on February 25th. Members of the Youth Parliament on their criteria for choosing new leaders and why young people should participate in this important event.
The First Secretary of the Liozno District Committee of the Belarusian Republican Youth Union, a member of the Youth Parliament under the Liozno District Council of Deputies, Varvara Kozlova, notes there should be no question about whether or not to vote.
“Participating in such an important process is a guarantee of protecting the rights and interests of each individual. Those who ignore voting forfeit this protection.”
As a young citizen of the Republic of Belarus, Varvara understands that the main advantage of youth participation in elections is the opportunity to influence events in their country.
“As youth, we must vote for a candidate to influence the political process, develop our civic responsibility and patriotic feelings, and, of course, increase our political literacy.”
Varvara believes that only through active participation in such key moments can one achieve the realisation of their interests and desires. She gives a specific example. Last September, the Liozno District deputies helped renovate the playground equipment at the Praleska kindergarten in the village of Liozno. Government officials listen to the requests and wishes of voters and do everything they can to ensure a decent standard of living for them.
People elect a deputy to represent their interests and, if necessary, defend them, notes Polina Vilkevich, a member of the Youth Parliament under the Shchuchin District Council of Deputies. To perform their duties effectively, they undoubtedly need a number of qualities.
“The foundation of such an important and honourable position is honesty and integrity. A deputy's work involves making decisions that can affect people's lives. They must be prepared to take responsibility for their actions. Deputies must also have professional knowledge and experience in the area they represent, whether it's legislation, economy, education, etc.”
Polina adds that deputies need to have communication skills, as they will have to interact with people and understand their problems, so empathy is essential. They must be able to listen to people, give rational advice, and help. Of course, a true deputy knows how to work as part of a team with other deputies and members of the executive branch and is ready for co-operation and compromise to achieve common goals.
A deputy should be proactive and not wait for appointments to find out what the voters’ concerns are.
“For example, this summer, a family of farmers from the village of Dembrovo needed to have their roof replaced, but they didn't have enough money. The local deputy noticed this and provided assistance. Thanks to the deputies, the road in the village of Starovshchina was also repaired. I think such actions speak louder than words about local government officials,” Polina concludes.
