Lukashenko secures seventh term amid election criticism

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has reportedly won a seventh term in office, garnering approximately 87.6% of the vote in an election widely criticized by Western nations as a 'sham'. This election marks the first since the mass protests in 2020 against his regime, which have led to a crackdown resulting in thousands of political prisoners and the exile of many opposition figures. Lukashenko's competitors were largely seen as state-approved candidates and posed little real challenge to his authority. Following the election, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Lukashenko, reinforcing their alliance amid ongoing tensions in the region. Critics, including opposition leaders and political analysts, argue that the election results are manipulated and do not reflect the true will of the Belarusian people. The situation in Belarus remains tense, with the international community continuing to impose sanctions and condemn the repressive political environment.