Presidential elections begin in Belarus

Presidential elections began in Belarus on 26 January, with Alexander Lukashenko participating for another term. Polling stations across the country opened at 08:00 and will remain open until 20:00.

Election organisation

According to the Belarusian publication "Belarus Today", 5,325 polling stations were organised for the vote. The website of the Belarusian Central Election Commission features a service allowing voters to find the address of their polling station. However, it is noted that voting is only possible in person — voting on behalf of other citizens is strictly prohibited.

CEC statements

Igor Karpenko, head of the Belarusian Central Election Commission, reported the presence of international observers allegedly monitoring the electoral process in the regions. The largest mission is represented by the CIS, followed by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

It was also announced that representatives and heads of election commissions from CIS countries, as well as individual "experts" from various parts of the world, excluding Australia, would visit. According to the CEC, among them are representatives from 17 Western European states.

Press conference schedule

Igor Karpenko's press conference, at which preliminary voting results will be presented, is scheduled for the night of 27 January — from 02:30 to 03:00. The final meeting with journalists will take place on the same day at 11:00.

Advance voting

Advance voting took place in the country from 21 to 25 January. According to the CEC, 41.81% of citizens included in the voter lists participated in it.

Context

Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power without interruption since 1994, is again taking part in the elections. Many countries, as well as international observers, traditionally question the legitimacy of the electoral process in Belarus, citing restrictions on the opposition and control over the media space.