Belarus Election Poised to Extend Lukashenko’s 30-Year Rule

Belarus is set for a presidential election that will likely secure a seventh term for Alexander Lukashenko, often dubbed "Europe's last dictator."

Belarus is set for a presidential election that will likely secure a seventh term for Alexander Lukashenko, often dubbed "Europe's last dictator." In power since 1994, the 70-year-old leader moved the election from summer to freezing January to deter protests like those in 2020, which followed accusations of fraud and led to mass arrests and crackdowns.

Lukashenko’s rule, supported by Moscow, has relied on Russian subsidies and hosting Russian tactical nuclear weapons. Political opposition has been crushed, with many jailed or exiled. The election features only token challengers, with major opponents barred. Critics, including exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, call the vote a sham.

As Lukashenko deepens ties with Russia, Belarus also prepares to host Russian hypersonic missiles, extending its strategic military alliance amid ongoing tensions with the West over the war in Ukraine.