Home FEATURED Belarus Holds Presidential Election as Lukashenko Seeks Seventh Term Amid Tightened Repression

Belarus Holds Presidential Election as Lukashenko Seeks Seventh Term Amid Tightened Repression

by EUToday Correspondents
Belarus Holds Presidential Election as Lukashenko Seeks Seventh Term Amid Tightened Repression

Belarus is holding a contentious presidential election today, 26 January 2025, with Alexander Lukashenko widely expected to secure a seventh term in office.

The vote, criticised as neither free nor fair, comes as Lukashenko marks over 30 years in power, with his rule characterised by authoritarianism, political repression, and deepening dependence on Russia.

Decades of Authoritarian Rule

Lukashenko was first elected in 1994 in what remains Belarus’s only recognised free and fair election. Over the decades, his regime has systematically dismantled democratic institutions, cracked down on dissent, and cultivated a political environment in which opposition is virtually nonexistent. In the late 1990s, prominent political opponents began to disappear under suspicious circumstances, with allegations of state involvement in their abductions and murders.

In recent years, Belarus has been described as transitioning from authoritarianism to totalitarianism. Lukashenko’s government has used widespread repression to silence critics, including arresting individuals for social media activity, peaceful protests, or support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s aggression. As of mid-2024, there were 1,388 political prisoners in Belarus, and human rights organisations have documented thousands of politically motivated arrests and convictions.

The Current Election

Today’s vote is the first presidential election since the mass protests of August 2020, when hundreds of thousands of Belarusians took to the streets to contest the results of a disputed election. The demonstrations were met with violent crackdowns, resulting in thousands of arrests and forcing opposition leaders, such as Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, into exile. Tsikhanouskaya, who is widely believed to have won the 2020 election, now leads the Democratic Forces of Belarus from Lithuania.

Since 2020, Lukashenko has solidified his grip on power by dismantling independent media, dissolving civil society organisations, and imprisoning or exiling his political opponents. According to the Belarusian Central Election Commission, Lukashenko is one of five candidates on the ballot, though critics argue that these additional candidates serve only to maintain the illusion of democracy. Early voting has reportedly reached record turnout, though opposition groups and international observers have raised concerns about potential vote manipulation.

Lukashenko’s Defiance

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Lukashenko dismissed Western criticism of the election, stating that he is indifferent to whether it is recognised internationally. “What matters is that Belarusians recognise these elections and that they conclude as peacefully as they began,” he said.

Lukashenko’s comments reflect his ongoing reliance on Russia for political and economic support. In recent years, Belarus has become heavily dependent on Moscow, with Lukashenko positioning himself as a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Belarus’s role in supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine has further deepened its isolation from the West.

International Response

The European Union, the United States, and other democratic nations have pre-emptively dismissed the election as illegitimate. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas described the vote as “a blatant affront to democracy,” while Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda reiterated that Lukashenko would not be recognised as Belarus’s legitimate leader. Ukraine, which has consistently criticised Lukashenko’s alignment with Putin, has also rejected the election’s validity, aligning with Western allies.

Broader Implications

Lukashenko’s re-election is likely to further entrench Belarus’s international isolation and deepen its dependence on Russia. Analysts suggest that his continued rule will complicate any efforts toward democratisation, economic reform, or improved relations with the West. As Belarus remains under an “iron curtain,” Lukashenko’s long-term governance leaves the country locked in a cycle of political repression and economic stagnation.

The election also raises questions about Belarus’s future leadership. Lukashenko, who turned 70 last year, has faced rumours about his health. While he has not yet confirmed plans to step down, analysts believe that any successor—even from within his circle—would face significant challenges in reversing his legacy and addressing Belarus’s mounting domestic and international crises.

Read also:

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Victory for Ukraine is Key to the Future of Belarus and Europe”

You may also like

Leave a Comment

EU Today brings you the latest news and commentary from across the EU and beyond.

Editors' Picks

Latest Posts