Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko secured a seventh term in an election criticized as undemocratic, winning 86.8 percent of the vote despite claims of widespread voter repression. International observers have denounced the election, citing a lack of legitimate opposition and a climate of fear among the populace. While some political prisoners were pardoned, significant numbers remain incarcerated, and international response has included sanctions amid calls for stronger actions against the regime.
On January 26, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was declared the winner of the presidential election, achieving 86.8 percent of the votes according to the Central Election Committee (CEC). With a turnout exceeding 85 percent, this victory marks Lukashenko’s seventh consecutive term, prolonging his rule for at least another seven years, making him the longest-serving leader in Europe after 31 years in office.
During a lengthy press conference broadcasted on state television, Lukashenko characterized Belarus as a ‘brutal democracy’ and dismissed allegations regarding the lack of legitimate challengers in the election. As reported by the CEC, the nearest contender garnered a mere three percent of the votes.
International observers have widely criticized the elections as undemocratic. Pavel Slunkin, a former Belarusian diplomat, articulated skepticism regarding the legitimacy of the electoral process, stating, “I wouldn’t use the word election. The result doesn’t depend on what people think; it’s just a performance by Lukashenko’s administration.”
Mikhail Savva, a political scientist living in exile, emphasized that significant political opposition has been systematically eliminated since the contentious 2020 elections, leading to a regime where competition is simply nonexistent. He noted, “The neo-totalitarian Belarusian regime does not allow competitors.”
The 2020 elections were marred by widespread protests, met with a violent crackdown on dissent that resulted in thousands of arrests and the exile of numerous opposition figures, including Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who condemned the recent elections as a political farce.
This year’s election was unexpectedly moved from August to January, ostensibly to deter protests during the cold winter months. However, Savva pointed out that the repression of political opponents has effectively stifled dissent in Belarus. He remarked that Lukashenko, much like Russia’s Vladimir Putin, believes that society lacks the capacity for protest without leadership and thus strives to isolate potential leaders.
Mark Stephens, Co-Chair of the IBA’s Human Rights Institute, noted that the crackdown on dissent and independent media has further diminished the likelihood of protests. He stated, “When you crack down on human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists, there’s no flow of information.”
Slunkin expressed that fear has paralyzed any prospect for resistance among the populace. He claimed, “If I was in Belarus right now, I wouldn’t participate in protests because it doesn’t make sense.”
Despite Belarus’s repressive environment, since July, Lukashenko has granted pardons to 250 political prisoners, which Savva interprets as a strategic maneuver to appease the West rather than a genuine act of goodwill. He asserted that these pardons are likely aimed at distancing Lukashenko from Putin amidst fears of losing power.
As of January 30, estimates by human rights organization Viasna suggested that over 1,245 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Belarus. While several authoritarian leaders, including Putin, congratulated Lukashenko, Western nations condemned the elections for failing to uphold democratic standards, emphasizing the absence of independent observers.
In response, the United Kingdom and Canada implemented sanctions against several Belarusian officials and defense companies. The European Parliament called for ongoing investigations into human rights violations in Belarus and proposed stricter sanctions against Lukashenko’s administration.
Mark Stephens articulated concerns regarding the efficacy of mere statements from the EU, suggesting that they may not influence Lukashenko, asserting that he seems immune to external criticism and accountability.
Slunkin also highlighted the significant implications of new game-changing decrees from the regime, compelling Belarusians abroad to return to renew documents. He remarked that this directive showcased the regime’s readiness to impact both domestic and exiled citizens adversely, contributing to a climate of fear among the diaspora.
A spokesperson from the European Commission denounced this decree as indicative of ongoing repression, noting that the responsibility for issuing travel documents remains at the state level, while calling for a legal resolution to facilitate the entry and stay of Belarusians in the EU.
The recent presidential election in Belarus, resulting in Alexander Lukashenko’s re-election, has drawn widespread disapproval internationally for being a farce lacking true democratic processes. The systemic suppression of political opposition, civil liberties, and free media has reinforced an atmosphere of fear among the populace, jeopardizing any prospects for dissent. While the international community has condemned the regime’s actions and implemented sanctions, the effectiveness of such measures remains in question, especially considering Lukashenko’s apparent immunity to external pressures.
Original Source: www.ibanet.org
