Elections Explained: Unmasking the Struggle for Democracy in Belarus

Welcome to "Elections Explained," where we dive into the intricacies of electoral processes around the world. Our focus extends beyond borders to offer clarity and insight into the democratic journeys of nations worldwide. Stay tuned for in-depth analysis and comprehensive explanations as we navigate through the complexities of elections.

Today's focus: Belarus

What is going on?

Belarus, the nation that is often described as Europe’s last dictatorship, is holding its so-called single voting day on Sunday, February 25. On this day, the population of the 13th-largest country in Europe is called to vote in parliamentary and local elections.

In the aftermath of the presidential elections of 2020, Belarusians took to the streets to protest against vote rigging by long-time dictator Alexandr Lukashenka.

While independent observers agree that opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya won the 2020 presidential race, the official vote count gave another resounding victory to Lukashenka.

Tens of thousands were detained in protests following the elections, opposition leaders were forced into exile or imprisoned, and political parties opposing the regime were dismantled.

This time, the exiled democratic forces have called to boycott the elections, which are considered to be a farce and imitation of democracy. In a climate of fear and repression, the only candidates allowed are handpicked by the regime; independent observers have not been invited.

The regime also changed the Election Code to disallow polling stations abroad. More than half a million Belarusians left the country since 2020, and many are reluctant to return. Due to changes in the Code, they will not be able to vote.

Why is this important?

For the first time since the fraudulent elections of 2020, Belarusians are called to vote for their representatives. The regime is trying to use the single voting day to gain back some of the legitimacy lost in 2020. This strategy may backfire; the perception of election-fraud may set off another wave of protests that could even lead to the downfall of the regime.?

In a climate of fear and repression, the resistance against the regime has moved underground and is mostly invisible inside the country. However, after the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, aided by the Lukashenka regime, thousands of Belarusians came out to protest.?

In the run-up to February 25, repressions have intensified and security forces have carried out wide-spread searches and detentions. Thousands are still held behind bars for political reasons, and many prominent democratic leaders are kept in total isolation.?

What is the wider international context?

The Belarusian dictator allowed his country to become a staging ground for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine by accepting the deployment of nuclear weapons, and issued numerous threats to neighboring countries such as Poland and Lithuania. The future of Belarus has become a key factor for regional stability.

Without a free, democratic and independent Belarus, tensions will continue and the country will move further into Russia’s orbit. In the so-called Union State, Belarus is being slowly annexed by Russia, as its national identity, culture and even language is being erased. In contrast to Ukraine, Russia found a willing collaborator in the Lukashenka regime, which has allowed Putin to seize control without an armed invasion.?

The democratic forces have expressed a clear European choice for Belarus, aiming to bring nine million Belarusians back to Europe. As the frontline in the battle between democracy and authoritarian rule runs through Belarus and Ukraine today, the outcome of this fight for freedom will be decisive for Europe’s future.?

Written by Karim Pedersen