On January 24, 2025, Anitta Hipper, the spokesperson for the European Union's Foreign Affairs, condemned the upcoming presidential elections in Belarus, scheduled for January 26, labeling them as "undemocratic" and a "farce."
This statement coincided with President Alexander Lukashenko's decision to pardon 15 prisoners, just two days before elections where he aims to secure a seventh five-year term, extending his rule of over 30 years.
Hipper stated, "This is a completely undemocratic exercise. The elections are a total farce and are not elections when you already know who is going to win," during a press conference.
She emphasized that the EU continues to support the Belarusian people and exert pressure on Lukashenko's regime, referencing the recent sanctions package aimed at those responsible for human rights violations.
As early voting commenced, approximately seven million Belarusians are eligible to vote among five candidates, with only one being considered critical of the current government. Official polls indicate that 82.5% of Belarusians are inclined to vote for Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994.