Belarus Lukashenko: I don't care about recognition from the West
According to the authoritarian ruler Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus is not making its presidential election dependent on the approval of foreign countries. The election is for his own people, Lukashenko said as he cast his vote in the capital Minsk. He does not care whether the EU recognizes the election or not. After more than 30 years in power in the ex-Soviet republic, the 70-year-old wants to secure another, now seventh, term in office in the vote.
26.01.2025, 10:55
SDA
After the last election in 2020, mass demonstrations almost drove him from power. However, he had the protests crushed by force and has since maintained a kind of political cemetery peace in Belarus. According to estimates by human rights activists, around 1,200 Lukashenko opponents are still in prison. "Some have chosen prison, others exile, but we have not chased anyone out of the country," he claimed in Minsk.
Opposition candidates were not allowed to stand in Belarus. For the sake of form, there are four candidates against Lukashenko. The polling stations are still open until 20:00 local time (18:00 CET). After that, Lukashenko is expected to be declared the winner.
