Lukashenko to Run for Re-Election in Belarus

Documents Submitted to Belarus’ Central Election Commission

Alexander Lukashenko, the incumbent president of Belarus, has submitted the necessary documents to the country’s Central Election Commission (CEC) to run for re-election in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for August 9, 2023.

Lukashenko Seeks Eighth Term

Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, is seeking an eighth term in office. If elected, he will become the longest-serving leader in Europe.

Opposition Candidates Emerge

Several opposition candidates have also emerged to challenge Lukashenko, including Viktor Babariko, a former banker, and Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the wife of an imprisoned opposition blogger.

Tightening Grip on Power

Lukashenko has been accused of suppressing dissent and cracking down on opposition figures in recent years. In 2020, the country witnessed widespread protests following a disputed presidential election, which Lukashenko claimed to have won.

International Condemnation

The international community has widely condemned Lukashenko’s authoritarian rule. The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on Belarus over human rights abuses.

Upcoming Election Under Scrutiny

The upcoming presidential election is expected to be closely watched by both domestic and international observers. The outcome will have significant implications for Belarus’s political future.