Miory Regional Executive Committee

The regional civic-patriotic marathon “#Yediny” was launched on February 6 at the Vitebsk branch of the International University “MITSO”. Ahead is a series of events in the cities and districts of the region. The marathon will conclude on February 24.
Participants in the events held at the Vitebsk branch of “MITSO” included university students and academic staff, as well as pupils from Vitebsk Secondary School No. 17 named after I. Bumagin. Alexander Subbotin, Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, met with them and served as an expert for the open dialogue “Youth Perspective. Elections”.

However, prior to this, the head of the region was introduced to the university’s facilities. The guest visited the forensic laboratory, logistics center, and other specialized classrooms designed to make student training more practice-oriented. Then Alexander Subbotin joined the events of the “#Yediny” marathon. Since the republican youth information and educational project “Pashtoŭka.BEL” was launched within its framework in the Vitebsk region, the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee also took part — he signed and placed a stylized card reading “Choosing the Future Together!” into a mailbox. He sent an election invitation to MITSO student Veronika Yakhnovets, a BRSM activist and prize winner of the regional round of the “Student of the Year” competition. This young woman is set to participate in voting for the first time, and, naturally, she is determined to definitely come to the polling station. By the way, Veronika herself preferred to keep secret for now whom she plans to send a postcard to under the “Pashtoŭka.BEL” project.

All forum participants, having worn ribbons in the colors of the national flag, also joined the republican patriotic campaign "Rodnoye – Narodnoye", which aims to promote the state symbols and culture of Belarus. The next stage of the meeting featured an open dialogue, during which the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee thoroughly and sincerely answered numerous questions posed by the audience. Questions covered a wide range of topics. Alexander Subbotin shared his views on the qualities that elected representatives should possess and why youth participation in the electoral campaign is so important. He also outlined the qualities he personally looks for in candidates for parliament as a voter. According to the head of the region, when reviewing candidates for parliamentary seats, he first examines a person's professional career and assesses their success in their field. However, the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee noted that there are also quite a few young candidates among those running for parliament. Although they typically lack extensive experience, they make up for it with energy and a desire to make the world a better place. During the pre-election campaign period, it is also necessary to observe how a person behaves in communication, believes Alexander Subbotin. It is important that a candidate is not arrogant and does not make empty promises.

Not all questions pertained to the elections. Discussions also covered many other topics: from the importance of maintaining an information presence on social media to plans for the improvement of Vitebsk.

As part of the marathon opening, the university presented a quiz on electoral law titled "#Yediny". Additionally, a group of students took part in the youth project "Citizen's ABC. Version 4.0". Its goal is to familiarize future voters with the specifics of the upcoming electoral campaign and to draw attention to key changes in the voting process. In the format of a business simulation, the students were able to test and consolidate their acquired knowledge, gaining a clearer understanding of who will be elected and how the process will unfold in 2024.

Thematic meetings and informational and explanatory pickets will be held in various regions of the Dvina area until the single day of voting. The organizers of the marathon are the Main Directorate for Ideological Work and Youth Affairs of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, as well as the Regional Committee of the Public Association "BRSM".

Anastasia KLIMOVSKIKH, second-year student at the Vitebsk branch of MITSO:

— I believe that events such as this marathon are very important for young people to foster a more responsible attitude toward elections. I will be casting my vote for the first time this year. I consider it a very important matter. Previously, during my childhood, I accompanied my parents to the polling station and found it quite interesting. Now, however, I will have to make my own choice independently.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by