MINSK, 14 January (BelTA) - Over 76% of young people plan to vote in the presidential election in Belarus, Chairman of the Belarusian Committee of Youth Organizations Pavel Alekso told BelTA commenting on the data of the online poll Belarus of the Future - the Choice of the Youth.
The results of the poll reflect the expectations of young Belarusians regarding the election campaign. According to the poll, 76.7% of respondents stated that they plan to vote in the upcoming presidential election, 17.8% answered that they have not yet decided, while 5.5% said they do not plan to vote. Young people understand the importance of this election campaign for their future and an important role of the president, who they consider to be the guarantor of the realization of their expectations, Pavel Alekso said.
“The figures show an increase in civic engagement, as we see that a fairly high percentage of young people are already willing to go to the polls. This demonstrates that people understand the value of every vote and that their participation in the electoral process is extremely important and effective. By fulfilling their civic duty and casting their vote, they influence the social and political situation in the country and their future. People try to maximize this opportunity,” he stated. “We see that the society has matured in terms of the fulfillment of its rights, obligations, protection of its interests through civic engagement: membership in political parties and public associations and, certainly, active participation in social and political events in our country, including election.”
The Belarusian young people were also asked to name the priority tasks for the president-elect: 67.7% of respondents mentioned ensuring peace and security, 48.1% named improved welfare of citizens, 41.8% pointed out fighting inflation and rise in prices, 32.3% stressed economic recovery and growth of production, and 23.5% - strengthening the position of Belarus in the international arena.
“We should look at the current public sentiments. This is not the first poll we have conducted on similar topics. Nowadays, civic values such as peace and security, health, their own and their families’ welfare prevail among the Belarusian people. We have a sustainable society. Everyone knows that they can count on free education, healthcare, and a first job placement. These are some guarantees that represent the basic needs of citizens,” Pavel Alekso added.
Thus, the poll shows that nowadays the young Belarusians value the established stable model of the state as an institution capable of fulfilling their expectations.
The poll was conducted from 16 December 2024 to 3 January 2025 by the Belarusian Committee of Youth Organizations. The respondents (7,260 people) included school students (14-17 years old), university students and young researchers (18-25 years old), and working youth (25-31 years old). This generation was formed during the years of sovereign development of independent Belarus, which became a presidential republic 30 years ago. The time of their life coincides with the period of the country’s progressive development and growth of the population's welfare.
