Lukashenko Claims 'Victory' With Over 87% in Belarusian 'Elections'

Belarusian state media has announced that Alexander Lukashenko secured over 87% of votes in Sunday’s presidential election, according to an exit poll reported by the state agency BelTA on January 26.

The results come amid international condemnation of the process, which opposition groups and European leaders have labeled illegitimate.

The exit poll figures, broadcast on Belarus’ First Information Channel, attributed 87.6% of the vote to Lukashenko. Four other candidates listed on the ballot received 2.7%, 1.8%, 1.6%, and 1.2% respectively, according to the report.

Lukashenko, who has been in power for three decades, dismissed international concerns, stating that he is indifferent to whether Western nations recognize the election results. Speaking to journalists after voting, he said, “Recognition by the European Union or anyone else is irrelevant. What matters is that Belarusians accept these elections and that they proceed peacefully.”

European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas, alongside EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, issued a joint statement condemning the vote as fraudulent. They emphasized that the elections were neither free nor fair, citing severe repression, restrictions on independent media, and a lack of political freedom in Belarus.

The EU representatives reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Belarusian civil society and opposition forces in exile. “The European Union will continue to implement targeted measures against the regime while providing financial and institutional support to democratic forces and Belarusian culture,” they stated.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a key figure in the Belarusian opposition, also criticized the election process, calling it another example of the regime’s illegitimacy.

Speaking in Warsaw, she outlined potential scenarios for change in Belarus, pointing to the possible impact of a Ukrainian victory in the ongoing war with Russia. “A strong Ukraine means a weaker Putin, which directly affects Lukashenko’s grip on power,” she said. She also suggested that economic instability or unforeseen events could further destabilize the regime.