Belarus Election Poised to Give Lukashenko Seventh Term Amid EU Criticism

Jan 25, 2025, 08:40 PM

Belarus is holding a presidential election on Sunday, January 26, 2025, in which incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko is expected to secure a seventh term in office. Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, has pardoned 15 prisoners ahead of the election, including eight serving sentences on extremism and seven on drug offenses. The early voting has seen approximately 27% voter turnout. The election is widely criticized as a 'sham,' with opposition figures jailed or forced into exile, and the European Union's High Representative Kaja Kallas stating that Lukashenko 'doesn't have any legitimacy.' Observers note that Lukashenko has tightened his grip on power, with critics dubbing him 'Europe's last dictator.' The election takes place under the shadow of Belarus's increasing reliance on Russia, especially following its support for Moscow during the conflict in Ukraine.