Lukashenko Poised for Seventh Term in Belarus Amid EU Criticism and Crimes Against Humanity Allegations

Jan 24, 2025, 01:58 PM

Belarus is set to hold a presidential election this weekend, with incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko, aged 70, poised to secure a seventh term, extending his rule which has lasted over 31 years. The election, criticized by the European Union as a 'complete farce' and undemocratic, is expected to see Lukashenko win amid widespread repression and a lack of genuine opposition candidates. The EU has condemned the elections, stating that they are not legitimate when the outcome is predetermined. Lukashenko's regime has been accused of systematic persecution of journalists, with 589 arrests since August 2020 and 43 journalists still jailed, prompting Reporters Without Borders to file a complaint with the International Criminal Court against him for crimes against humanity. The opposition, including exiled leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has denounced the election as a sham, urging Belarusians to vote against all candidates. Lukashenko's close ties with Russia have deepened, with the country hosting Russian tactical nuclear weapons, further aligning Belarus with Moscow's interests.