Alexander Lukashenko, the authoritarian ruler of Belarus, has once again declared victory in a presidential election that has been widely criticized by Western governments and international observers as a sham. The Central Election Committee of Belarus announced on Monday that Lukashenko secured 86.8% of the vote in an election marked by a notably high turnout of almost 87%.
The election ballot featured four other candidates, who were seen as non-threatening to Lukashenko’s prolonged rule, with no genuine opposition allowed to participate. Prominent opposition figures find themselves either incarcerated or in exile, effectively silencing dissent within the nation.
Notably, the election proceeded without oversight from independent observers, further casting doubts on the legitimacy of the process. Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, condemned the election as a “blatant affront to democracy.” In a similar vein, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized the election on social media platform X, stating, “the people of Belarus had no choice,” signaling a broad disapproval from Western nations.
Despite international condemnation, Lukashenko received congratulations from allies including Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has maintained a close relationship with Lukashenko since the latter came to power in 1994. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised the election as “absolutely legitimate, well-organized, and transparent,” dismissing criticisms from Western countries.
Leaders from China, Venezuela, and Pakistan also extended their congratulations, underscoring the geopolitical divides in perceptions of Belarus’s political situation.
In contrast, exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who claimed victory in the controversial 2020 election after standing in for her jailed husband, dismissed the latest election as “yet another political farce.” Tikhanovskaya, driven out of Belarus due to her surging popularity and opposition to Lukashenko, represents the silenced voices opposing Lukashenko’s regime.
Belarus has seen a systematic dismantling of independent media and suppression of opposition, creating an environment where no credible electoral challenge can emerge. In an interview with the BBC’s Steve Rosenberg on Sunday evening, Lukashenko defensively remarked that his opponents had “chosen” prison or exile and stated indifferently that he “couldn’t care less whether [the West] recognizes our election.”
This election secures Lukashenko’s seventh term in office, further extending his authoritarian grip on Belarus since 1994. The international community continues to watch closely, with many countries and organizations questioning the future direction of Belarus under continued undemocratic rule. The situation remains tense, with significant concerns about the suppression of freedom and democratic principles in the heart of Europe.