Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced his intention to run for president again in 2025, as reported by Belarusian state news agency BelTA following his participation in parliamentary and local council elections.
Lukashenko’s decision comes amidst criticism from the United States, which labeled the elections as fraudulent. Dismissing the criticism, Belarus’s top election official rebuked Washington, asserting that the U.S. should focus on its own affairs.
In his statement to journalists, Lukashenko emphasized his commitment to his people, stating, “No responsible president would abandon his people who followed him into battle.” Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been in power since 1994 and permitted Russia to use Belarusian territory for its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Responding to inquiries about potential changes leading up to the elections, Lukashenko acknowledged the fluidity of the situation, indicating a readiness to adapt to evolving circumstances. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department condemned the Belarusian elections, citing a climate of fear and undemocratic processes.
The chairman of Belarus’s Central Election Commission dismissed U.S. criticism, asserting that it was not their place to comment on Belarusian elections. He emphasized Belarus’s sovereignty in conducting its electoral processes and expressed confidence in its ability to manage elections independently.
Despite Lukashenko’s controversial reelection in 2020, marked by widespread protests and allegations of vote-rigging, he remains steadfast in his leadership approach. Lukashenko hinted at a potential strengthening of parliament’s role in Belarus, suggesting a shift away from a presidency perceived as autocratic.
The elections saw a voter turnout of nearly 73%, with Lukashenko reaffirming his commitment to the Belarusian political landscape amidst ongoing international scrutiny.
