Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, is seeking a seventh term in an election widely condemned by human rights groups and international organizations. Critics have labeled the process a sham, with no real opposition candidates allowed to run, further solidifying Lukashenko’s grip on power.

A History of Rigged Votes

Lukashenko’s long-standing rule has been marked by contentious elections. The 2020 presidential vote became a significant turning point for Belarus. Official results claimed he won 80.1% of the vote, with a voter turnout of 84.38%. However, many Belarusians viewed these figures as fabricated, which sparked nationwide protests lasting for months.

The regime’s response to dissent was brutal. Security forces, backed by Russia, arrested thousands of protesters, silenced opposition voices, and violently suppressed demonstrations. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the opposition leader who stepped in after her husband’s arrest, fled the country amid the crackdown. Since then, over 600,000 Belarusians have gone into exile, unable to return home.

To avoid repeating the summer protests of 2020, Lukashenko moved this year’s election to January. The regime ensured that only loyalists would appear on the ballot, excluding all opposition candidates.

International observers, including the European Commission, have condemned the election. EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper stated bluntly, “This is not an election. It is a farce. The outcome is already decided.”

Exiled Voices Speak Out

Belarusians living in exile have expressed their frustration and despair over the continued repression in their homeland.

Lesia Pcholka, a photographer who captured the 2020 protests, now resides in Berlin. She voiced her disillusionment, saying, “I lost hope after 2020. Belarus is no longer democratic.”

Similarly, activist and journalist Andrei Gnyot, who fled to Poland after imprisonment, described the election as a “power ritual.” He warned that accepting the results would only strengthen Lukashenko’s control and worsen the suffering of ordinary Belarusians.

Uladzimir Hramovich, an artist now living in Berlin, called the election a cruel insult to those who fought for change. “This mocks everyone who believed in a brighter future. We thought we’d be home in months. It’s been almost four years,” he lamented.

A Nation Living in Fear

Inside Belarus, fear and repression dominate daily life. The regime has imprisoned over 1,300 political opponents, with tens of thousands reportedly tortured. Millions of citizens remain too afraid to voice their dissent, knowing the consequences could be dire.

This pervasive atmosphere of fear has left many Belarusians feeling hopeless about the future. Without meaningful reforms or international intervention, the prospects for democracy appear bleak.

Calls for Global Action

Exiled Belarusians and human rights organizations are urging the international community to reject the election’s results. They argue that recognizing the process would only legitimize Lukashenko’s regime, further entrenching his power and prolonging the suffering of the Belarusian people.

The ongoing crisis in Belarus underscores a vicious cycle of repression and resistance. Without stronger global pressure, the dream of democracy will remain out of reach for millions.