EU Condemns Belarus Elections as “Fake” Amid Lukashenko’s Expected Seventh Term

The European Union has described the upcoming presidential elections in Belarus, scheduled for January 26, as undemocratic. EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Anitta Hipper, referred to the elections as "fake," according to RBC-Ukraine.

“This is an exercise that is totally undemocratic. These elections are a total sham. It is not an election if you already know who is going to win,” Hipper said during a briefing.

She emphasized the EU’s ongoing support for the Belarusian people and its efforts to exert pressure on Alexander Lukashenko’s regime. Hipper highlighted the sanctions adopted in December, targeting individuals responsible for human rights abuses.

“We have also continued to raise awareness of all political prisoners and those unjustly detained. We are calling on the authorities to release all ... people facing repression.”

Hipper also noted that the EU has approved a €30 million package to support Belarusian civil society, bringing total EU assistance since 2020 to €170 million.

The presidential elections in Belarus are set to take place this Sunday. Alexander Lukashenko, the current leader, is expected to secure his seventh term in office.

Several Belarusian state-owned enterprises are involved in producing ammunition for the Russian military, according to a January 19 investigation by the Belarusian organization BelPol.

The report highlights key manufacturers, including the Belarusian Automobile Plant (BelAZ), the Belarusian Metallurgical Plant, and the Barysaw Plant of Automotive and Tractor Electrical Equipment, which are producing 122mm and 152mm shells for Russia.