Navigating the Crossroads of Democracy in Belarus

Nestled in Eastern Europe and bordered by Russia and Ukraine, Belarus has been a focal point of political scrutiny since the 2020 elections. The aftermath of those elections, widely believed to be rigged, triggered massive protests across the country. The subsequent postponement of elections set the stage for the 2024 elections, which, despite hopes for progress, were still marred by political repression and a persistent lack of democratic freedoms.

The 2024 parliamentary and local elections have stirred international concerns over the deepening autocratic rule in Belarus. Civil society faces an escalating wave of repression, with NGOs being forcefully shut down and dissenting voices systematically silenced. Journalists, human rights activists, and opposition leaders find themselves grappling with tightened laws and legislative changes, posing severe threats to their work and the broader democratic landscape.

Belarus, unfortunately, finds itself in the company of nations with the worst records of human rights deterioration over the past five years including Afghanistan, El Salvador, Myanmar and Nicaragua. This troubling trend , alongside a lack of effective investigation into past human rights violations, paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by Belarusians on their journey toward a more democratic society.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), a key player in ensuring fair and transparent elections, was notably absent from Belarus . Despite this, civil societies within Belarus have shown remarkable resilience. Navigating challenging conditions, they continue their work, often relying on digital technologies and international support to amplify their voices and contribute to the democratic discourse.

Digital Tools for Activism

In the face of repression, Belarusians have turned to digital tools to amplify their voices and pursue activism:

• Crowdsourcing Platforms: Online crowdsourcing platforms like Ushahidi have become crucial for gathering funds, resources, and international support, facilitating data collection for sensitive issues.
• VPN and Tor Networks: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and the Tor network provide avenues to bypass government censorship, ensuring access to blocked websites and securing the sharing of information while protecting users' identities.
• Secure Communication Tools: Encrypted messaging apps, like Signal and Telegram , emerge as safe spaces for communication, shielded from interception by authorities.
• Social Media Platforms: Despite monitoring, social media remains a powerful tool for organizing gatherings, spreading awareness, and sharing real-time information. Platforms with strong privacy settings and anonymity are recommended.
• Anonymous Blogging and Reporting: Independent blogs and news outlets play a crucial role in reporting on injustices and sharing stories that state-controlled media overlook.
• Digital Security Training: Knowledge-sharing on digital security practices becomes vital, encompassing the use of strong passwords, understanding phishing threats, and securing personal devices against hacking attempts.
• Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT): Publicly available data is harnessed to uncover and document government abuses or corruption through analyzing satellite images, social media posts, and other digital footprints.
• Hacktivism: While ethically contentious, some groups engage in hacktivism to expose government actions or disrupt state-controlled systems as a form of protest. This approach, however, carries significant risks and legal implications.

Ushahidi's Reflection from a Good Governance Standpoint:

Ushahidi's mission is to empower people through citizen-generated data , providing a platform where voices can be heard, and information can be shared. Ushahidi's impact areas, particularly in good governance and fair elections, resonate with the democratic aspirations of nations like Belarus. By facilitating data collection for sensitive issues and enabling real-time information sharing, Ushahidi becomes a digital ally in the quest for transparent, fair, and accountable governance.

As we unravel the multifaceted narrative of Belarus, the story is not confined to borders. It extends to countries around the world where citizens grapple with similar challenges. For organizations, media, civil society organizations (CSOs) and individuals observing elections in countries around the world, especially those holding elections this year, we extend an invitation to partner with Ushahidi.

Through our collaborative efforts, we aim to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that the voice of every citizen resonates in the pursuit of transparent and accountable governance. Join us in this collective endeavor to leverage the Ushahidi Platform and make a lasting impact on democracy. Together, we can empower citizens, amplify their voices, and contribute to a global narrative of fairness, transparency, and democratic progress.

Sources

• https://www.idea.int/news/statement-upcoming-elections-parliament-and-local-councils-belarus ?
• https://prisoners.spring96.org/en https://www.dw.com/en/belarus-2024-elections-will-not-be-free-and-fair/a-68356203
• https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/25/world/europe/belarus-election.html
• https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/01/11/belarus-crackdown-amid-growing-information-vacuum