Belarus Facing Pseudo-Elections in the Coming Year
Next year, pseudo-elections are planned in Belarus, organized by self-proclaimed president Alexander Lukashenko. This has caused serious outrage and concerns, as Lukashenko’s electoral tactics remain unknown: will he choose a new approach this year, or will he try to appoint his son to the position.
Concerns from Democratic Forces in Belarus
The leader of democratic forces in Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, expressed her worries about the upcoming «pseudo-elections». She mentions that Lukashenko may not even hold these elections due to the fear of backlash from the Belarusian people. However, if he does proceed with the election charade, she warns of potential mass detentions and the imprisonment of anyone brave enough to challenge the regime.
Tsikhanouskaya emphasizes that no Belarusian will accept anyone appointed by Lukashenko, whether it’s his sons, Russian supporters, or any other hand-picked successor. She predicts a future of constant turbulence in Belarus as the people continue to resist the regime.
She urges Belarusians to use this situation to their advantage but also states that Lukashenko’s self-reappointment is unlikely to be the trigger that will ignite mass protests. The trigger for change must be clear and understandable for the Belarusian people to take action and alter the course of their country.
