Belarusian Leader Alexander Lukashenko Extends 31-Year Rule with Landslide Victory

Preliminary Results Show Lukashenko with 86.8% of the Vote

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has extended his 31-year rule of the former Soviet state with a massive win in a presidential election that Western governments have rejected as a sham. According to preliminary results published on Monday, Lukashenko took 86.8% of the vote in Sunday’s election.

The head of the country’s central election commission, Igor Karpenko, announced the results at a press conference in the early hours of Monday, stating, “You can congratulate the Republic of Belarus, we have elected a president.”

European Politicians Condemn the Election as Neither Free nor Fair

European politicians have criticized the election, citing the lack of independent media in the country and the jailing of opposition figures. German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock posted on X, “The people of Belarus had no choice. It is a bitter day for all those who long for freedom & democracy.”

Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski expressed mock surprise that “only” 87.6% of the electorate appeared to have backed Lukashenko, writing on X, “Will the rest fit inside the prisons?”

Lukashenko Defends Jailing of Opponents

Lukashenko defended his jailing of opponents, stating that they had “chosen” their fate. “Some chose prison, some chose ‘exile’, as you say. We didn’t kick anyone out of the country,” he said at a press conference that lasted over four hours and 20 minutes.

The close ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin also defended his jailing of dissidents, declaring, “I don’t give a damn about the West.”

Conclusion

The election results have been met with widespread criticism from the international community, with many calling for greater democratic reforms in Belarus. Lukashenko’s continued rule has raised concerns about the country’s human rights record and its relationship with Russia.

FAQs

Q: What were the results of the presidential election in Belarus?
A: According to preliminary results, Alexander Lukashenko took 86.8% of the vote.

Q: Has the election been recognized as legitimate by the international community?
A: No, Western governments have rejected the election as a sham due to the lack of independent media and the jailing of opposition figures.

Q: What is the reaction of European politicians to the election results?
A: European politicians have condemned the election as neither free nor fair, with many calling for greater democratic reforms in Belarus.

Q: Has Lukashenko defended his jailing of opponents?
A: Yes, Lukashenko has defended his jailing of opponents, stating that they had “chosen” their fate.