Belarus has scheduled its presidential election for Jan. 26, a move that is almost certain to extend the long-standing rule of authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko.
The timing of this election appears closely aligned with the interests of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose support has been critical for Lukashenko, especially in the wake of protests against the controversial 2020 election results.
Lukashenko confirmed his intention to seek a seventh consecutive term during an interview with Russian state television, further solidifying the alliance between the two leaders.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko kisses a traditional Russian bread upon his arrival at Kazan International Airport for the BRICS summit in Kazan, Oct. 23, 2024. Belarus has announced plans to hold a presidential vote, in…
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko kisses a traditional Russian bread upon his arrival at Kazan International Airport for the BRICS summit in Kazan, Oct. 23, 2024. Belarus has announced plans to hold a presidential vote, in which incumbent Lukashenko is likely to secure a seventh straight term, on January 26.
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Ekaterina Chesnokova/AP Photo
Opposition Leader Denounces Election
Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya swiftly condemned the forthcoming election as a “farce,” urging both Belarusians and the international community to disregard what she calls a sham electoral process.
“Lukashenko has set the date for his ‘reelection’ for Jan. 26, but it’s a sham performance without a real electoral process that is taking place in the atmosphere of terror,” Tsikhanouskaya stated, reflecting the ongoing political repression under Lukashenko’s regime.
Suppression of Dissent
The political landscape in Belarus has been dominated by the suppression of dissent. The last presidential election in 2020 was marked by widespread allegations of fraud, triggering mass protests across the country.
In response, Lukashenko’s government engaged in a brutal crackdown, resulting in the arrest and beatings of thousands of protesters. Many opposition leaders have since been jailed or forced to flee the country, creating a climate of fear and repression.
According to Viasna, Belarus’ oldest human rights organization, there are currently about 1,300 political prisoners in Belarus, including leaders of opposition parties.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a joint news conference following their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Oct. 9, 2024. The Belarusian dictator has run his country since 1994…
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a joint news conference following their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Oct. 9, 2024. The Belarusian dictator has run his country since 1994 and is a staunch ally of Putin.
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Kristina Kormilitsyna/AP Photo
In a somewhat surprising move, Lukashenko recently announced the release of 115 political prisoners, a development that analysts suggest is aimed at garnering Western recognition of the upcoming election.
This gesture may be an attempt to ease international sanctions and improve the regime’s image as it heads into the election.
Election Logistics and International Concerns
While Lukashenko’s current term is set to expire next summer, election officials have stated that advancing the election process to January would allow him to better “exercise his powers at the initial stage of strategic planning.” Political analyst Valery Karbalevich argues that the choice of January is tactical, as the freezing temperatures are less likely to spur mass protests. “There won’t be mass protests in freezing January,” he noted, highlighting the regime’s fear of dissent.
The Belarusian authorities have yet to clarify whether any international observers will be invited to monitor the election. Earlier this year, Belarus denied observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe access to monitor parliamentary elections for the first time in decades.
The lack of transparency and accountability raises significant concerns about the legitimacy of the upcoming vote and the ongoing erosion of democratic norms in Belarus.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press