Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has been re-elected for a seventh term with 87.6% of the vote, according to official exit polls. The election has been widely criticized by international observers and opposition figures as neither free nor fair.
On January 26, 2025, Belarus held its presidential election, resulting in a reported landslide victory for incumbent Alexander Lukashenko. State media announced that Lukashenko secured 87.6% of the vote, with a voter turnout of 81.5%. Other candidates, including Sergey Sirankov of the Communist Party and Oleg Gaydukevich of the Liberal Democratic Party, garnered minimal support.
The European Union swiftly denounced the election process. In a joint statement, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and enlargement commissioner Marta Kos declared that the election was “neither free nor fair,” citing relentless repression of human rights and the absence of political freedoms in Belarus. They emphasized that these conditions stripped the electoral process of any legitimacy.
Opposition leaders, many of whom are either imprisoned or in exile, have also condemned the election. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a prominent opposition figure now residing abroad, labeled the election a “ritual for dictators,” urging the international community to reject the results.
The 2025 election mirrors the contentious 2020 election, which led to widespread protests and a severe crackdown on dissent. Following the 2020 vote, over 35,000 individuals were detained, and numerous opposition figures were forced into exile. The international community, including the EU and the United States, previously imposed sanctions on Belarus in response to these actions.
Lukashenko’s continued grip on power is bolstered by his alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Belarus has supported Russia’s military actions, including the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and has hosted Russian tactical nuclear weapons on its soil. This close relationship has further isolated Belarus from Western nations, leading to additional sanctions and diplomatic condemnations.
Despite Lukashenko’s firm hold on power, the future remains uncertain. At 70 years old, questions about succession and the country’s direction persist. Observers note that while Lukashenko has hinted at possible reconciliation with Western nations to alleviate sanctions, his actions thus far suggest a continued reliance on authoritarian measures and alignment with Russia.
The international community continues to call for the release of political prisoners in Belarus and urges the government to engage in genuine dialogue with opposition forces. However, given the current political climate, significant changes appear unlikely in the near term.
