Belarus has announced a presidential election date of January 26, 2025, where incumbent Alexander Lukashenko is expected to secure a seventh consecutive term. The Central Election Commission (CEC) made the announcement in Minsk, stating that parliament has approved the vote date.
Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, faces strong opposition from democratic forces in the country. These groups have previously called for the international community to reject the legitimacy of Lukashenko's elections, citing widespread fraud and political repression. The last election in 2020 was marked by mass protests and a brutal crackdown on dissent, resulting in thousands of arrests.
Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who was forced into exile after the 2020 vote, criticized the announcement, labeling the upcoming election a 'sham' and expressing doubts about the possibility of a fair electoral process. She emphasized that no alternative candidates or observers would be permitted.
Lukashenko's relationship with Russia has deepened, especially following the invasion of Ukraine, which was launched from Belarusian territory. Recently, he reiterated threats regarding the potential use of nuclear weapons if Belarus is attacked, amidst Russia's plans to position strategic nuclear arms in Belarus.