Neither the EU, the U.Okay. nor the U.S. acknowledge Lukashenko’s authorities as professional. Fraudulent presidential elections in 2020 ignited mass protests that just about led to Lukashenko’s downfall previous to a brutal crackdown to suppress protesters and opponents, backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Lukashenko has clung to energy for 30 years. Tomorrow, he’ll reappoint himself in one more sham election,” EU overseas coverage chief Kaja Kallas mentioned on the eve of the vote on X. “It is a blatant affront to democracy. Lukashenko doesn’t have any legitimacy.”
Exiled Belarus opposition chief Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya protested the election from the Polish capital Warsaw on Sunday. “At this time, we marched for freedom in Warsaw — united and unshaken, honoring our heroes who gave their lives for freedom,” she posted on X, alongside photographs from the demonstrations.
“Collectively, we’re unstoppable,” she mentioned. “As Belarusians, we’ll by no means lose hope. We’ll reclaim our nation and return house stronger than ever.”
In an interview with POLITICO final week, Tsikhanouskaya urged world leaders to “be ready for the following second of alternative,” and have a “technique” to make the most of the following potential tipping level when Lukashenko’s dictatorship may fall.
“There shall be solely two alternate options for Belarus: Both any person very pro-Russia like Lukashenko’s followers or will probably be democratic forces,” she mentioned.
