Election in Belarus: “There is no alternative to Alexander Lukashenko”

Four and a half years ago, in another institution, the Belarusian leader received a colder welcome.

A week after the 2020 presidential elections, Alexander Lukashenko visited the Minsk Tire Tractor Plant. The leaked video shows him being mocked and cheated by the staff. They shouted: “Go!

The result of the official election in 2020 – 80% for Mr Lukashenko – caused outrage and massive protests across the country. Belarusians took to the streets and accused their leaders of stealing their votes and elections.

After that, thousands of anti-government protesters and critics were arrested during a brutal police crackdown. Eventually, a wave of repression quelled the protests and, with Russian help, Mr. Lukashenko clung to power.

Great Britain, the European Union and the United States refuse to recognize him as the legitimate president of Belarus.

Alexander Lukashenko’s staunchest opponents (and potential opponents) are either in prison or exiled.

That’s why this week the European Parliament passed a resolution calling on the EU to reject the upcoming presidential elections as “fake” and pointing out that the election campaign is taking place “in an environment of severe repression that is not even up to the mark”. minimum standards for democratic elections”.

i remember in October last year, he interviewed Alexander Lukashenkothe day the presidential election date is announced.

“If the opposition leaders are in jail or abroad, how can these elections be free and democratic?” I asked.

“Do you actually know who the opposition leaders are?” Mr. Lukashenko replied.

“The opposition is at least a group of people who should serve the interests of the few people in the country. Where are you leaders? Wake up!”

Alexander Lukashenko is not a single candidate. There are four others. But they seem more like spoilers than serious contenders.