Belarus election: ‘There is no alternative to Lukashenko

Belarus Election: A Fair Contest or a Sham?

Four and a half years ago, the seemingly unshakeable grip of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko began to crack. Shortly after the 2020 presidential election, a video surfaced showing workers at the minsk Wheels tractor Plant heckling Lukashenko. Their chants of “Go away! Go away!” echoed the growing discontent simmering throughout the country.

The official election results, declaring Lukashenko the victor with 80% of the vote, sparked outrage and massive protests across Belarus. Citizens took to the streets, demanding a recount and accusing Lukashenko of electoral fraud.This wave of dissent was met with a brutal crackdown by authorities. Thousands of protesters and critics were arrested in a campaign of repression that eventually quelled the protests.

With the backing of russia, Lukashenko managed to retain power despite international skepticism. The UK, the European union, and the United States refuse to recognize him as the legitimate president of Belarus. His most vocal opponents and potential rivals are either imprisoned or living in exile.

Against this backdrop, it’s not surprising that the European Parliament recently passed a resolution urging the EU to denounce the upcoming presidential election as “a sham.” The resolution paints a bleak picture of the electoral process, stating that the campaign environment “fails to meet even the minimum standards for democratic elections” due to severe repression.

Last October, I had the opportunity to interview Lukashenko on the day the election date was announced. I asked him a direct question: “How can these elections be free and democratic if the leaders of the opposition are in prison or abroad?” His response was sharp and dismissive: “Do you actually know who the leaders of the opposition are? An opposition is a group of people who should serve the interests, at the very least, of a small number of people in the country. Where are these leaders you speak of? Wake up!”

While other candidates are vying for the presidency, they seem to function more as symbolic figures than real contenders, lacking the resources and support to challenge Lukashenko’s grip on power.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming election in Belarus?

Do you believe this election will be fair and transparent, or are you concerned with accusations of suppression and manipulation?

Belarus Election: Lukashenko Defends Vote Amidst International Scrutiny

The upcoming presidential election in Belarus has drawn international attention, with concerns raised about its fairness and transparency.President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled the country for nearly three decades, maintains that the election will be held in accordance with democratic principles.

In an exclusive interview, President Lukashenko addressed these concerns head-on. “Do you actually know who the leaders of the opposition are?” he questioned,challenging the notion that a viable opposition exists. “An opposition is a group of people who should serve the interests, at the very least, of a small number of people in the country. Where are these leaders you speak of?”

he dismissed accusations of suppression and electoral manipulation as “baseless,” asserting that Belarusians have the opportunity to express their will through voting. “Belarusians have a chance to express their will at the ballot box, and we ensure a transparent process. Those who claim or else are driven by external forces seeking to destabilize our nation,” he stated.

international skepticism remains high,with many questioning the fairness of the election process. “We are a sovereign nation, and our elections are a matter of internal affairs. International recognition is not essential for our legitimacy,” President Lukashenko asserted.

Critics point to the silencing of opposition figures and the lack of a genuine contest as evidence that the election will not be free and fair. President lukashenko rejects these claims, emphasizing that competition takes place within the framework of the law. “Competition occurs within the framework of the law. We have a democratic process, and those who choose to participate have a voice,” he explained.

He expressed confidence in his continued leadership, citing public support for his management’s record of stability and progress.

How does President Lukashenko plan to address international concerns about the fairness and openness of the upcoming election in Belarus?

Belarus Election: Lukashenko Defends Vote Amidst International Scrutiny

An Exclusive Interview with President Alexander lukashenko

The upcoming presidential election in Belarus has drawn international attention, with concerns raised about its fairness and transparency. President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled the country for nearly three decades, maintains that the election will be held in accordance with democratic principles. In an exclusive interview with Archyde, President Lukashenko addressed these concerns head-on.

Archyde: Mr. President, many international observers and organizations have expressed skepticism about the fairness of the upcoming election. Some have even called it a “sham” due to the suppression of opposition and the imprisonment of political figures. What is yoru response to these accusations?

President Lukashenko: Let me be clear: these accusations are baseless. Belarusians have a chance to express their will at the ballot box,and we ensure a transparent process. Those who claim otherwise are driven by external forces seeking to destabilize our nation. We are a sovereign nation, and our elections are a matter of internal affairs.

Archyde: Tho, many of the potential challengers to your presidency are currently in prison or living in exile. How can you guarantee a free and fair election when the opposition is effectively silenced?

President Lukashenko: Do you actually know who the leaders of the opposition are? An opposition is a group of people who should serve the interests, at the very least, of a small number of people in the country. Where are these leaders you speak of? Wake up! Competition occurs within the framework of the law. We have a democratic process, and those who choose to participate have a voice.

Archyde: Despite your stated commitment to democratic principles, many people both within Belarus and internationally remain skeptical. Do you believe the international community should recognize the results of this election, regardless of the level of concern about its fairness?

President Lukashenko: International recognition is not essential for our legitimacy.We conduct our elections according to our laws and the will of our people.

Archyde: What message do you want to send to the Belarusian people as they head towards this election?

President Lukashenko: Belarusian people want stability and progress. My government has delivered on these promises, and I remain confident in my continued leadership. The upcoming election is a chance for the people of Belarus to voice their support for this progress and to reaffirm their faith in our nation.