Elections in Belarus
The European Union’s stance on the presidential elections in Belarus is clear, with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy describing the process as undemocratic. The current president, Alexander Lukashenko, has been in power for nearly three decades and is expected to secure another term.
Concerns Over Legitimacy
Critics argue that the election lacks legitimacy due to the limited options available to voters and the predictability of the outcome. The European Union has expressed concerns over the democratic process in Belarus, with leaders stating that the election is a "farce."
International Reaction
The president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, has also spoken out against the election, offering support to the people of Belarus and stating that "democracy will prevail." The international community is closely watching the situation, with many questioning the validity of the election results.
Voting Process
Polling stations in Belarus opened on Sunday, with voters able to cast their ballots from 8:00 a.m. local time. Early voting took place over five days, with a reported 41.81 percent of registered voters participating. Despite concerns over the election’s legitimacy, the current president is expected to win a significant majority of the votes.
Outlook
The outcome of the election is unlikely to be affected by criticisms from human rights organizations or the European Union and United States. The current president’s expected victory has been predicted by polls, which suggest he could secure up to 80 percent of the votes.