The Vitebsk region hosted the regional stage of the open youth debates "Vybirai.by!"

We remind you that the open debates "Vybiray.by!" are a new format that allows young men and women to present themselves, their opinions and ideas within a discussion, and to discuss issues relevant to their generation concerning the political, economic, and social aspects of modern Belarusian society. To participate in the nationwide project, activists of the BRSM from all over the Vitebsk region gathered at the regional stage, the theme of which was "Peaceful Belarus – the country of my future!".

Two teams of 12 people each took part in the polemics. About a hundred youth leaders became spectators, and at times partners in a constructive dialogue. After a brief introduction of their discussion colleagues by the captains, the young people, within the framework of the declared topic, proceeded to discuss electoral systems, their role and functions in the political life of society, and the forms of interaction between public associations and election commissions. The opponents invited each other to reflect on what an ideal initiative group should be, on the role of the "next" generation in the upcoming presidential elections, as well as to imagine themselves as candidates for the country's top post and briefly formulate theses that could persuade young people to vote "for".

Traditionally, after the discussion, experts asked the participants of the debates questions. At the regional stage, these experts were: First Secretary of the Central Committee of the BRSM Andrey Belyakov, Head of the Main Department of Ideological Work, Culture and Youth Affairs of the Regional Executive Committee Alexander Klitsunov, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Social Sphere, Social Protection and Youth Affairs of the Regional Council Galina Zhelanova, Chairperson of the Vitebsk Regional Election Commission for the President of the Republic of Belarus Dmitry Khoma, Rector of the Vitebsk Branch of the International University MITSO, Deputy of the Regional Council of Deputies Alexander Dedinkin, Acting First Secretary of the Regional Committee of the BRSM Dmitry Turonok, and Head of the Information and Monitoring Department of the Regional Trade Union Association Elena Ustinova. For example, Andrey Belyakov suggested expanding the patriotic postulate "I live in Belarus and I am proud of it!" with his reasoning, and Dmitry Khoma suggested expressing their forecasts and giving specific recommendations regarding the role of the younger generation in the dynamic development of the country. The young men and women did not shy away from the serious demands of the experts and found worthy answers, showing their creative side.

In addition to open debates, BRSM activists and everyone interested took part in the flash mob #ForABrighterFutureOfIndependentBelarus: everyone could take a photo with hashtag cards #OurChoice, #OurYear, #MyBelarus, and #ChooseBY, to then post the pictures on the Internet and join the nationwide patriotic youth movement.

Natalia Kamleva, "Vitebskiye Vesti". Photos by the author.