In Belarus, tightly controlled parliamentary and local elections took place amidst a backdrop of arrested opposition figures and denied party registrations. Longtime leader Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power for nearly 30 years, confirmed his intention to run for president again next year, while the opposition in exile called for a boycott of the elections. The vote comes after a period of increased repression following widespread protests against Lukashenko’s last electoral victory in 2020, which was widely regarded as fraudulent. The current elections are seen as a foregone conclusion, with only pro-regime candidates allowed to participate.
- Belarus held parliamentary and local elections under tight control, with opposition parties denied registration.
- Longtime leader Alexander Lukashenko aims to run for president again next year, amidst closer ties with Russia and accusations against the West.
- Opposition leader in exile, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, called for a boycott of the elections, citing them as a farce.
- Over 35,000 people were arrested during the crackdown following the 2020 elections, which sparked massive protests.
- The current elections are seen as a test for Lukashenko ahead of the 2025 presidential elections, aiming to prevent a repeat of the 2020 protests.
- Opposition activities include mobilizing support for Ukraine, leading resistance movements, and conducting sabotage acts to demonstrate the regime’s weaknesses.
- Lukashenko’s regime attempted to discredit and isolate opposition figures, including Tsikhanouskaya and her husband, who is held incommunicado.
- Despite the repression, the opposition, led by Tsikhanouskaya from exile, continues to advocate for the Belarusian people and plans for a future free and fair election.
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