On Sunday, January 26, Belarus held a presidential election which Western governments and Belarusian democratic forces denounced as a sham. With his opponents jailed or exiled and freedom of speech suppressed, Alexander Lukashenko faced no real competition and declared himself a winner with over 86% of the vote, extending his three-decade-long rule for another presidential term, until 2030.

Lukashenko’s grip on power looks secure and his alliance with Russia seems to be going strong, but recent legislative initiatives and a series of political prisoner pardons may indicate plans for a future transition of power and Belarusian president’s willingness to negotiate with the West.

Image Credit

Wilson Center