By : Lloyd Mahachi
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has extended his 31-year rule with a massive win in the country’s presidential election, securing 86.8% of the vote according to preliminary results. The election, held on Sunday, has been widely rejected by Western governments as a sham.
The outcome was never in doubt, with Lukashenko’s opponents either jailed or forced into exile. European politicians have condemned the election, citing the absence of independent media and the repression of opposition figures. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the election as a “bitter day for all those who long for freedom & democracy”.
Lukashenko’s victory was met with sarcasm from Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who questioned whether the remaining opposition figures would fit in the country’s prisons. Lukashenko defended his jailing of dissidents, claiming they had “chosen” their fate. This response has sparked widespread outrage, with many viewing it as a blatant disregard for human rights.
The election has sparked widespread criticism from the international community, with many governments refusing to recognize the outcome. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, described the election as a “blatant affront to democracy”. Lukashenko’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has also come under scrutiny, with many viewing the election as a means of consolidating his power.
Despite the criticism, Lukashenko remains defiant, declaring “I don’t give a damn about the West”. The outcome of the election is likely to have significant implications for Belarus’s relationships with Western governments and the international community. Many are concerned that Lukashenko’s tightening grip on power will lead to further repression and human rights abuses.
The international community has called for Belarus to respect democratic principles and human rights. However, it remains to be seen whether Lukashenko will heed these calls or continue down a path of authoritarianism. One thing is certain, however: the people of Belarus will continue to suffer under his repressive regime.
As the world watches, many are left wondering what the future holds for Belarus. Will Lukashenko’s grip on power continue to tighten, or will the international community find a way to hold him accountable? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the situation in Belarus bears close watching.
In the meantime, the people of Belarus will continue to live in a state of fear and repression. The international community must continue to speak out against Lukashenko’s regime and advocate for the rights and freedoms of the Belarusian people. It is only through collective action that we can hope to bring about change and restore democracy to Belarus.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
