Belarus presidential Election Lukashenko Secures Seventh Term

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has secured a seventh term in office following the presidential election held on January 26, 2025. According to state-run media, exit polls indicated Lukashenko received 87.6% of the vote, solidifying his nearly three-decade rule. The country’s Central Election Commission reported a voter turnout of 81.5%, but opposition voices and international watchdogs have raised concerns over the legitimacy of the process.

Election Amidst Political Crackdown
Lukashenko, in power since 1994, faced little resistance in the election as most prominent opposition figures are either imprisoned or in exile. The European Union swiftly condemned the election, calling it a “sham” due to the suppression of political dissent and the absence of independent monitoring. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated, “This election fails every standard of a free and fair democratic process.” The EU has also warned of additional sanctions against Belarus.

However, opposition figures see his grip on power as a growing liability. Exiled leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who ran against Lukashenko in 2020, labeled the election a “farce” and urged Belarusians to continue resisting authoritarian rule. She is expected to meet with EU officials in Brussels to discuss possible international responses.

International Response and Future Implications
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was not invited to observe the election in time, raising further concerns over transparency. The EU has reiterated calls for the immediate release of political prisoners and has hinted at expanding sanctions against Belarusian officials.

As Lukashenko embarks on another term, the country remains at a crossroads. While state-controlled media celebrates his victory, widespread discontent lingers beneath the surface. Whether this election marks a consolidation of power or the beginning of intensified resistance remains to be seen.