In the 2020 presidential election, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko was declared the winner with 80% of the vote, sparking allegations of fraud, widespread protests, and a harsh government crackdown.
To avoid similar unrest in the 2025 election, Lukashenko moved the election from August to the colder month of January, when demonstrators are less likely to take to the streets.
With many of his political opponents jailed or in exile, Lukashenko is poised to secure a seventh term as president.
Lukashenko, often referred to as “Europe’s last dictator,” has ruled Belarus since 1994, relying heavily on Russian support.
His leadership has been marked by harsh repression of dissent, reliance on Russian subsidies, and policies aligned with Moscow, including hosting Russian nuclear weapons.
Despite occasional attempts to appease the West, Lukashenko’s government has been criticized for silencing opposition and maintaining Soviet-style controls on the economy and culture.
The upcoming election, which began with early voting and concludes on Sunday, faces little genuine opposition, as most challengers have been barred from the ballot.
International observers and opposition leaders have denounced the election as a farce, with many political prisoners still languishing in prison.
Lukashenko’s regime continues to secure political support from Russia, with a recent treaty ensuring Belarus’s inclusion under Russia’s nuclear umbrella.
The situation in Belarus remains tense, with rights groups reporting that hundreds of political prisoners are still imprisoned, and authorities have continued a campaign of repression to eliminate any remaining opposition ahead of the vote.
