Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko announced the possibility of using the military for “order” in the presidential elections on January 26.
He spoke about this on January 3 at a meeting with the chairmen of executive committees, writes the propaganda state media BelTA.
Where necessary, the police, where necessary, the military, feel free to involve. Yes, so that there is order,” Lukashenko said, noting that “scoundrels” abroad are already “putting pressure on our commission members, especially the leadership.”
Lukashenko added that Belarusian oppositionists living abroad have already begun to urge citizens to vote “against everyone.” He invited the Belarusians who had left to return to the republic and participate in the elections themselves, since “it’s easy to blather from abroad.”
Previously, the dictator from Minsk stated that he would close Internet access in Belarus if protests were repeated.
In the fall of 2024, part of the Belarusian opposition called for a boycott of the presidential elections on January 26. This call was made by Nikolai Statkevich’s “People’s Hramada” party, “Belarusian Christian Democracy”, the organizing committee for the creation of the “Country for Life” party, as well as the “Free Belarus” movement. At the same time, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya’s Office announced the need to vote against everyone.
According to Reporters Without Borders, 40 journalists were imprisoned in Belarus in 2024, placing the country fourth in the world for this indicator, ahead of Russia. In addition, according to estimates by the Viasna human rights center, since 2022, 112 people have been convicted in absentia in the republic. Almost all the cases were politically motivated and involved activists, journalists, politicians and public figures.
Presidential “elections” will be held on January 26. The Central Election Commission of Belarus registered four competitors of Lukashenko.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.