In Belarus, the 2020 presidential election saw authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko declared the winner with an implausible 80% of the vote, sparking widespread protests and a violent crackdown. To avoid a repeat of such unrest, Lukashenko has moved the next election from August to January 2025, a colder month when protests are less likely. At 70, he seeks a seventh term, undeterred by opposition, with many rivals jailed or in exile.
Belarus, a former Soviet state, has maintained strong ties to Russia, relying on Moscow for subsidies and support, especially following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Lukashenko, often dubbed “Europe’s last dictator,” has silenced dissent through elections deemed neither free nor fair by the West. Significant political repression persists, with reports citing around 1,300 political prisoners in the country.
Ahead of the election, noted critiques include the absence of formidable challengers, as many opposition candidates have been barred from running. The political climate is one of fear, marked by recent pardons that come amidst continued crackdowns. Moreover, Lukashenko has secured agreements with Russia regarding nuclear weapons stationed in Belarus, heightening geopolitical tensions. As the election unfolds, opposition figures urge the populace to vote against all candidates, calling the election a farce.