Belarus

2025 - 1 - 25

Lukashenko: The Man, The Myth, The Never-Ending Presidency?

Belarus politics - Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko - democracy - dictatorship - Eastern Europe elections - election - international observers - political opposition - Russia - Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Brace yourselves, Belarus! As election time rolls around, it seems Lukashenko is gearing up for yet another 'successful' term. Spoiler alert: the real competition is on the couch!

As Belarus dives into yet another election, it seems that President Alexander Lukashenko is all set to extend his impressive streak with a potential seventh term. With opposition figures sidelined and the once-boisterous protests quieting down, many are left wondering if this election should come with a warning label: "Caution: Voter Apathy Ahead!" While Lukashenko’s critics claim the upcoming vote is a sham, he maintains a peculiar duality—seeking to appease the West while keeping close ties with his long-time ally Vladimir Putin. What a tightrope to walk!

The candidates may be lined up on paper, but the reality presents a different picture. International observers have been brought in, but with half an eye on the proceedings, some critics worry we might witness something closer to a scripted performance than a genuine election. Lukashenko’s reign has seen a surge of social unrest since the highly contested election results of 2020, but as he approaches another round of elections, the opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's advisors suggest that mass protests may be on hold for now. Meanwhile, it seems that the only thing more predictable than the election result is the sight of Lukashenko donning his signature black beanie.

Despite the seemingly barren landscape of genuine choice, the Belarusian people still find unique ways to express their hopes and frustrations. The fact that about 486 international observers have been accredited for this election is an unusual twist. Will they be more than just spectators in a very tense game of political chess? Or will they find themselves catching the next flight out as the event concludes?

As the clock ticks down to election day, whispers of foreign influence and potential Internet blackouts fill the air. Remember back in 2020 when social media played a pivotal role in mobilizing protests? Let’s hope that Belarus has enough data left for memes if those blackout scenarios play out. As elections unfold, keep an eye on Belarus because, folks, you never know what surprises await in this gripping saga of political machinations and power plays!

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

His Opponents Sidelined, Lukashenko Is Set for a 7th Term in Belarus (The New York Times)

President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, a close ally of Russia's leader, Vladimir V. Putin, has been making signs of reaching out to the West.

Belarus election offers Lukashenko versus no one else | Macau ... (Macau Business)

International, MNA | Wearing a black beanie hat and glasses, Belarusian engineer Vladimir Labanov said he will cast his vote this weekend for the man that ...

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Image courtesy of "TVP World"

Belarus's sham election could be Lukashenko's last, says opposition (TVP World)

Franak Viačorka, chief advisor to opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, added that this is not the time for mass anti-regime rallies. Speaking to TVP ...

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Image courtesy of "News.Az"

No surprises anticipated in Belarus' 'no-choice' election (News.Az)

A presidential election is set to take place in Belarus on Sunday, with the election commission expected to announce that 70-year-old Alexander Lukashenko ...

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Lukashenko: Before 2025 election, 'still afraid of the people' (Aljazeera.com)

On January 26, Belarusians will cast their ballots in a presidential vote. Officially, there are five candidates, but 70-year-old Belarus President Alexander ...

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Image courtesy of "Belarus News (BelTA)"

Ryzhenkov, Lebedev review work of CIS observation mission in ... (Belarus News (BelTA))

Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov has met with CIS Secretary General, head of the CIS observation mission for the presidential ...

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Image courtesy of "Techradar"

Belarus elections: how likely is an information blackout? (Techradar)

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko gestures as he delivers a speech during a rally. (Image credit: Photo by SIARHEI LESKIEC/AFP via Getty Images).

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Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

Belarus election poised to extend decades-long rule of Alexander ... (FRANCE 24)

When Alexander Lukashenko emerged victorious from Belarus's presidential election in 2020, protesters came out on the streets to accuse him of election ...

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Image courtesy of "Belarus News (BelTA)"

Foreign ministers of Belarus, Russia talk over phone (Belarus News (BelTA))

Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov has held a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, BelTA learned from ...

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Image courtesy of "Belarus News (BelTA)"

CEC accredits 486 international observers to monitor Belarus' election (Belarus News (BelTA))

A total of 486 international observers have been accredited to monitor Belarus' presidential election, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) ...

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Image courtesy of "Modern Diplomacy"

Lukashenko's Sham Elections are a Stark Contrast to Belarus ... (Modern Diplomacy)

When Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko exiled his democratic rival Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya after he fraudulently claimed victory in the.

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Image courtesy of "The Canberra Times"

Belarus PM to extend rule in stage-managed election (The Canberra Times)

Belarus holds a presidential election in which the outcome is all but certain: a seventh term for authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko is expected to win for the ... (NPR)

PIEN HUANG, HOST: Not all elections are nail-biters. The former Soviet Republic of Belarus, wedged between Russia and Ukraine, chooses the president this Sunday ...

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Image courtesy of "Inside NoVA"

Lukashenko set to extend 30-year rule in Belarus (Inside NoVA)

Reclusive Moscow-allied Belarus will hold a presidential election Sunday, with President Alexander Lukashenko set to cruise through to victory unchallenged ...

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Image courtesy of "Manistee News Advocate"

Belarus strongman set to win a 7th term in an election the opposition ... (Manistee News Advocate)

The smiling face of President Alexander Lukashenko gazed out from campaign posters across Belarus on Sunday as the country held an orchestrated election ...

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Image courtesy of "Euronews"

Polls open in Belarus presidential election with chance of change at ... (Euronews)

Voting started following a period of almost non-existent election fever. In the capital Minsk, there's an almost total absence of billboards promoting the ...

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko is expected to win for the ... (Iowa Public Radio)

PIEN HUANG, HOST: Not all elections are nail-biters. The former Soviet Republic of Belarus, wedged between Russia and Ukraine, chooses the president this ...

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Belarus presidential election: Who's taking on Lukashenko, does it ... (Aljazeera.com)

President Alexander Lukashenko will be running to secure a seventh term, extending his 30-year rule over Belarus.

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Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

Lukashenko set to extend 30-year rule in Belarus (FRANCE 24)

Reclusive Moscow-allied Belarus will hold a presidential election Sunday, with President Alexander Lukashenko set to cruise through to victory unchallenged ...

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Image courtesy of "NEWS.com.au"

Polls open in Belarus with Lukashenko set to extend 30-year rule (NEWS.com.au)

Belarusians began voting Sunday, with President Alexander Lukashenko expected to cruise to victory unchallenged for a seventh term, prolonging his ...

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Voting under way in Belarus with Lukashenko set to extend 30-year ... (Aljazeera.com)

Longtime leader Lukashenko is set to win a seventh terms as he runs unopposed by genuine challengers.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Polls open in Belarus with Lukashenko's 30-year rule set to be ... (The Guardian)

The 70-year-old former collective farm boss has been in power in reclusive, Moscow-allied Belarus since 1994.

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

Belarus president set to extend 30-year rule as critics slam 'sham ... (CNN)

Belarusians are voting in a closely-managed presidential election that is all but certain to extend the one-man rule of Alexander Lukashenko, in power since ...

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Image courtesy of "Midland Daily News"

Belarus strongman set to win a 7th term in an election the opposition ... (Midland Daily News)

The smiling face of President Alexander Lukashenko gazed out from campaign posters across Belarus on Sunday as the country held an orchestrated election ...

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Image courtesy of "Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty"

Lukashenka Poised To Win Belarus Election Condemned As 'Sham ... (Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty)

Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka is set to win his seventh term in office in a presidential election that EU leaders have condemned as a “sham.”

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