Belarusians, on Sunday (Feb 25) headed to&nbsp;polls in the country’s tightly controlled parliamentary and local elections which are set to cement the rule of President Alexander Lukashenko who has been in power since 1994. The Belarusian leader said that he would run for president again in 2025, reported the country’s state news agency BelTA.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Senseless farce’</h2>

The elections, which the opposition has dismissed as a “senseless farce",&nbsp;was the first nationwide poll since the presidential election of 2020 which witnessed massive protests against Lukashenko, who was accused of rigging the result.&nbsp;

As of 9:00 am (local time) on Sunday, the voter turnout stood at 43.64 per cent hours after the polling stations officially opened, said the Belarusian Central Election Commission, as per the Associated Press.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-presidential-election-early-voting-begins-in-occupied-ukrainian-region-of-zaporizhzhia-693789">Russian presidential election: Early voting begins in occupied Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia</a>

Notably, most candidates running for the elections are from four officially registered parties all of which support Lukashenko’s policies. Around a dozen parties were denied registration last year.&nbsp;

Belarusian opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-visa-restrictions-on-25-people-in-belarus-including-lawmakers-over-politically-motivated-trial-553574">Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya</a> who is living in exile in neighbouring Lithuania released a statement urging voters to boycott the election.&nbsp;

“There are no people on the ballot who would offer real changes because the regime only has allowed puppets convenient for it to take part,” Tsikhanouskaya, who stood against Lukashenko in the 2020 presidential election, said in a video statement.&nbsp;

She added, “We are calling to boycott this senseless farce, to ignore this election without choice.”&nbsp;

Tsikhanouskaya also said that the regime’s attempt to use these “fake elections to legitimise its power will not be successful” and called on the international community not to recognise the outcome of the ballot.&nbsp;

The contentious 2020 election which saw Lukashenko win a sixth term in office, led to an unprecedented wave of mass protests across the country where tens of thousands took to the streets for months. More than 35,000 people were arrested.&nbsp;

The United States condemned what it called “sham” elections being held in Belarus on Sunday. “The elections were held in a climate of fear under which no electoral processes could be called democratic,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Election officials said more than 40 per cent of the country’s voters cast their ballots during early voting. However, Viasna Human Rights Center said students, soldiers, teachers and other civil servants were forced to participate in early voting.&nbsp;

<h2>Lukashenko announces re-election bid</h2>

On Sunday, Lukashenko, who has ruled Russia’s neighbouring country Belarus with an iron fist for nearly three decades, announced that he would run for the presidential election, which will be held next year.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-president-alexander-lukashenko-threatens-nuclear-weapons-use-in-response-to-aggression-626715">Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko threatens nuclear weapons strike in response to aggression</a>

“Tell them (the exiled opposition) that I'll run,” the incumbent president told reporters at a polling station after voting in parliamentary and local elections. He added, “No one, no responsible president would abandon his people who followed him into battle.”

The 69-year-old Belarusian president also accused the West of trying to use the vote to undermine his government and “destabilise” the nation&nbsp;without any evidence to back his claim.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Belarusians, on Sunday (Feb 25) headed to polls in the country’s tightly controlled parliamentary and local elections which are set to cement the rule of President Alexander Lukashenko who has been in power since 1994.

Belarusians, on Sunday (Feb 25) headed to polls in the country’s tightly controlled parliamentary and local elections which are set to cement the rule of President Alexander Lukashenko who has been in power since 1994. The Belarusian leader said that he would run for president again in 2025, reported the country’s state news agency BelTA. ‘Senseless farce’ The elections, which the opposition has dismissed as a “senseless farce", was the first nationwide poll since the presidential election of 2020 which witnessed massive protests against Lukashenko, who was accused of rigging the result. As of 9:00 am (local time) on Sunday, the voter turnout stood at 43.64 per cent hours after the polling stations officially opened, said the Belarusian Central Election Commission, as per the Associated Press. Also Read | Russian presidential election: Early voting begins in occupied Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia Notably, most candidates running for the elections are from four officially registered parties all of which support Lukashenko’s policies. Around a dozen parties were denied registration last year. Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya who is living in exile in neighbouring Lithuania released a statement urging voters to boycott the election. “There are no people on the ballot who would offer real changes because the regime only has allowed puppets convenient for it to take part,” Tsikhanouskaya, who stood against Lukashenko in the 2020 presidential election, said in a video statement. She added, “We are calling to boycott this senseless farce, to ignore this election without choice.” Tsikhanouskaya also said that the regime’s attempt to use these “fake elections to legitimise its power will not be successful” and called on the international community not to recognise the outcome of the ballot. The contentious 2020 election which saw Lukashenko win a sixth term in office, led to an unprecedented wave of mass protests across the country where tens of thousands took to the streets for months. More than 35,000 people were arrested. The United States condemned what it called “sham” elections being held in Belarus on Sunday. “The elections were held in a climate of fear under which no electoral processes could be called democratic,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. Election officials said more than 40 per cent of the country’s voters cast their ballots during early voting. However, Viasna Human Rights Center said students, soldiers, teachers and other civil servants were forced to participate in early voting. Lukashenko announces re-election bid On Sunday, Lukashenko, who has ruled Russia’s neighbouring country Belarus with an iron fist for nearly three decades, announced that he would run for the presidential election, which will be held next year. Also Read | Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko threatens nuclear weapons strike in response to aggression “Tell them (the exiled opposition) that I'll run,” the incumbent president told reporters at a polling station after voting in parliamentary and local elections. He added, “No one, no responsible president would abandon his people who followed him into battle.” The 69-year-old Belarusian president also accused the West of trying to use the vote to undermine his government and “destabilise” the nation without any evidence to back his claim. (With inputs from agencies)

Belarusians vote in ‘sham’ election as opposition calls for boycott; Lukashenko announces re-election bid

Amid tensions with Belarus, Poland said hundreds of migrants had tried to breach the border.

President Alexander Lukashenko reportedly said that it was "absolutely possible" Belarus forces may have helped the migrants to cross the border.

Lukashenko told the BBC that he won't "detain migrants on the border". The Western countries have accused the Belarus president of igniting the migrant crisis at the border with Poland.

Polish border guards have reportedly detained several migrants after they attempted to cross the eastern border and attacked them with rocks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-check-in-for-flight-home-after-failing-to-enter-eu-from-belarus-430323">Also Read:&nbsp;Iraqis check in for flight home after failing to enter EU from Belarus</a>

Reports claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to the Belarus president in an attempt to resolve the border crisis.

Amid the border row, Ukraine declared it hasn't ruled out the possibility of Russia "purposefully" sending a large number of migrants through Belarus into its territory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-to-build-a-wall-as-migrant-crisis-escalates-at-belarus-poland-border-429730">Also Read:&nbsp;Poland to build a wall, as migrant crisis escalates at Belarus-Poland border</a>

There are at least 7,000 migrants in Belarus, according to officials. At least eleven migrants have died at the border since the crisis began this summer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backs-lukashenko-as-migrant-crisis-escalates-at-belarus-poland-border-429584">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia backs Lukashenko as migrant crisis escalates at Belarus-Poland border</a>

Meanwhile, US secretary of state Antony Blinken called for the "weaponisation" of migration to stop as he indicated that the Biden administration could expand sanctions imposed on Belarus.

Most of the migrants are of Middle Eastern origin who have been trying to enter Europe with Poland as the gateway. They have been battling freezing conditions at the border triggering a&nbsp;humanitarian situation along the border.

Council of Europe human rights commissioner Dunja Mijatovic said the migrants had spent months under "squalid and extreme conditions" while calling for "pushbacks" to end.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Belarus, Poland said hundreds of migrants had tried to breach the border. President Alexander Lukashenko reportedly said that it was "absolutely possible" Belarus forces may have helped the migrants to cross the border.

Amid tensions with Belarus, Poland said hundreds of migrants had tried to breach the border. President Alexander Lukashenko reportedly said that it was "absolutely possible" Belarus forces may have helped the migrants to cross the border. Lukashenko told the BBC that he won't "detain migrants on the border". The Western countries have accused the Belarus president of igniting the migrant crisis at the border with Poland. Polish border guards have reportedly detained several migrants after they attempted to cross the eastern border and attacked them with rocks. Also Read: Iraqis check in for flight home after failing to enter EU from Belarus Reports claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to the Belarus president in an attempt to resolve the border crisis. Amid the border row, Ukraine declared it hasn't ruled out the possibility of Russia "purposefully" sending a large number of migrants through Belarus into its territory. Also Read: Poland to build a wall, as migrant crisis escalates at Belarus-Poland border There are at least 7,000 migrants in Belarus, according to officials. At least eleven migrants have died at the border since the crisis began this summer. Also Read: Russia backs Lukashenko as migrant crisis escalates at Belarus-Poland border Meanwhile, US secretary of state Antony Blinken called for the "weaponisation" of migration to stop as he indicated that the Biden administration could expand sanctions imposed on Belarus. Most of the migrants are of Middle Eastern origin who have been trying to enter Europe with Poland as the gateway. They have been battling freezing conditions at the border triggering a humanitarian situation along the border. Council of Europe human rights commissioner Dunja Mijatovic said the migrants had spent months under "squalid and extreme conditions" while calling for "pushbacks" to end. (With inputs from Agencies)

Poland-Belarus border row continues as Lukashenko says won't detain migrants

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Belarus on Sunday as they sought to keep the pressure on President Alexander Lukashenko over his contested re-election.

In the capital Minsk, Lukashenko's critics staged a number of scattered protests across the city, with some groups numbering a few dozen participants and others a few hundred.

The Viasna rights group said more than 30 people were detained in Minsk and other cities.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-thousands-of-protesters-march-demand-lukashenkos-resignation-347989">Belarus: Thousands of protesters march, demand Lukashenko's resignation</a>

Police with dogs patrolled the streets as authorities deployed troops and water cannon.

Since Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August, Belarus has been caught in its most serious political crisis in modern history, with protesters taking to the streets and authorities cracking down on the opposition.

For months tens of thousands of people staged a massive march through Minsk but protesters have over the past few weeks changed their tactics to avoid large-scale detentions by instead turning up for numerous smaller protests across town.

Lukashenko's opponents claim the polls were rigged and that political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who ran in place of her jailed husband, was the true winner.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ioc-bans-belarus-president-lukashenko-from-olympic-games-348351">WATCH|</a>

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Tikhanovskaya, who is in exile in neighbouring Lithuania, praised all those who kept taking to the streets.

"The whole world sees the protest movement in Belarus," the 38-year-old said ahead of Sunday's rallies.&nbsp;

"Every new march does not allow the regime to lie that the protests are over."

From Sunday Belarus temporarily closed its land borders in a move authorities said was aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus but the opposition views as a further clampdown on dissent.

Belarus nationals and foreigners who hold temporary or permanent residency will not be able to leave the country via land border checkpoints starting Sunday.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Belarus on Sunday as they sought to keep the pressure on President Alexander Lukashenko over his contested re-election.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Belarus on Sunday as they sought to keep the pressure on President Alexander Lukashenko over his contested re-election. In the capital Minsk, Lukashenko's critics staged a number of scattered protests across the city, with some groups numbering a few dozen participants and others a few hundred. The Viasna rights group said more than 30 people were detained in Minsk and other cities. Also read| Belarus: Thousands of protesters march, demand Lukashenko's resignation Police with dogs patrolled the streets as authorities deployed troops and water cannon. Since Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August, Belarus has been caught in its most serious political crisis in modern history, with protesters taking to the streets and authorities cracking down on the opposition. For months tens of thousands of people staged a massive march through Minsk but protesters have over the past few weeks changed their tactics to avoid large-scale detentions by instead turning up for numerous smaller protests across town. Lukashenko's opponents claim the polls were rigged and that political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who ran in place of her jailed husband, was the true winner. WATCH| × Tikhanovskaya, who is in exile in neighbouring Lithuania, praised all those who kept taking to the streets. "The whole world sees the protest movement in Belarus," the 38-year-old said ahead of Sunday's rallies. "Every new march does not allow the regime to lie that the protests are over." From Sunday Belarus temporarily closed its land borders in a move authorities said was aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus but the opposition views as a further clampdown on dissent. Belarus nationals and foreigners who hold temporary or permanent residency will not be able to leave the country via land border checkpoints starting Sunday.

Thousands in Belarus protest Lukashenko's rule

In the face of ever-growing anti-government protests in Belarus, the country’s Interior Ministry has permitted the use of combat weapons in the streets in response to the protesters by the police.

According to the police, at least 713 people have been detained in protests so far. The police used water cannons and batons to break protests that are demanding the resignation of incumbent Lukashenko and re-elections in the country.

Since the August 9 election which declared President Alexander Lukashenko as the winner, Belarusians have demanded reelections and have continuously protested in the streets of Minsk.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/belarus-police-uses-water-cannon-batons-to-break-up-anti-lukashenko-protests-334542" hreflang="en">Belarus police uses water cannon, batons to break up anti-Lukashenko protests</a>

Many critics claim the election was rigged, and strongman Lukashenko won by unfair means. He has been the ruler of Belarus since the country broke away from the USSR after its disintegration.

Lukashenko has denied rigging the vote. Fearing crackdown, many opposition leaders have fled the country, and many have been arrested.

"The protests, which have shifted largely to Minsk, have become organised and extremely radical," the Interior Ministry claimed in a statement.

"In this regard, the Interior Ministry's employees and internal troops will not leave the streets and, if necessary, will use special equipment and military weapons," it added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/belarus-president-alexander-lukashenko-visits-jail-to-meet-detained-rivals-reports-334351" hreflang="en">Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko visits jail to meet detained rivals: Reports</a>

Owing to the crackdown on protesters and unwillingness to conduct re-elections, countries have imposed sanctions against Belarusian officials.&nbsp;

Russia has extended support to Belarus on multiple occasions.&nbsp;

The Foreign Minister of Germany, Heiko Maas on Monday said that Lukashenko ought to be added to a list of EU sanctions which includes 40 other officials from the country.

In the face of ever-growing anti-government protests in Belarus, the country’s Interior Ministry has permitted the use of combat weapons in the streets in response to the protesters by the police.

In the face of ever-growing anti-government protests in Belarus, the country’s Interior Ministry has permitted the use of combat weapons in the streets in response to the protesters by the police. According to the police, at least 713 people have been detained in protests so far. The police used water cannons and batons to break protests that are demanding the resignation of incumbent Lukashenko and re-elections in the country. Since the August 9 election which declared President Alexander Lukashenko as the winner, Belarusians have demanded reelections and have continuously protested in the streets of Minsk. Also read: Belarus police uses water cannon, batons to break up anti-Lukashenko protests Many critics claim the election was rigged, and strongman Lukashenko won by unfair means. He has been the ruler of Belarus since the country broke away from the USSR after its disintegration. Lukashenko has denied rigging the vote. Fearing crackdown, many opposition leaders have fled the country, and many have been arrested. "The protests, which have shifted largely to Minsk, have become organised and extremely radical," the Interior Ministry claimed in a statement. "In this regard, the Interior Ministry's employees and internal troops will not leave the streets and, if necessary, will use special equipment and military weapons," it added. Also read: Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko visits jail to meet detained rivals: Reports Owing to the crackdown on protesters and unwillingness to conduct re-elections, countries have imposed sanctions against Belarusian officials. Russia has extended support to Belarus on multiple occasions. The Foreign Minister of Germany, Heiko Maas on Monday said that Lukashenko ought to be added to a list of EU sanctions which includes 40 other officials from the country.

Belarus: Government permits use of combat weapons against protesters

Belarus' opposition leader&nbsp;Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has claimed that the possibility of the Belarus leader&nbsp;Alexander Lukashenko getting immunity instead of facing international trial is subject to&nbsp;negotiation to defuse the crisis in her country.

Tsikhanouskaya has said she is considering filing a lawsuit against the ruler&nbsp;in the Intternational Criminal Court due to the inhumane treatment of the protestors in the country.

She also said that she while she understands the charges can be subject to negotiation, she would personally never forgive his "atrocities" on the protestors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-belarus-falls-russia-will-be-next-says-lukashenko-326093">Also read: If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko</a>

The country had been observing protests and demonstrations against the Belarusian leader for the past few months now.

If it is the way out, for him to go somewhere to the seaside and spend his time there, I think it could be done," she told the Globsec Bratislava Forum in the Slovak capital.

"Just leave us and we will build our country further. And that is it," said Tsikhanouskaya, who fled to Lithuania shortly after the disputed vote.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the Belarusian government has denied abusing detainees or participating in any electoral fraud.

As per local media reports, more than 13,000 people have been arrested in the past two months for protesting against the leader.

Belarus' opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has claimed that the possibility of the Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko getting immunity instead of facing international trial is subject to negotiation to defuse the crisis in her country.

Belarus' opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has claimed that the possibility of the Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko getting immunity instead of facing international trial is subject to negotiation to defuse the crisis in her country. Tsikhanouskaya has said she is considering filing a lawsuit against the ruler in the Intternational Criminal Court due to the inhumane treatment of the protestors in the country. She also said that she while she understands the charges can be subject to negotiation, she would personally never forgive his "atrocities" on the protestors. Also read: If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko The country had been observing protests and demonstrations against the Belarusian leader for the past few months now. If it is the way out, for him to go somewhere to the seaside and spend his time there, I think it could be done," she told the Globsec Bratislava Forum in the Slovak capital. "Just leave us and we will build our country further. And that is it," said Tsikhanouskaya, who fled to Lithuania shortly after the disputed vote. Meanwhile, the Belarusian government has denied abusing detainees or participating in any electoral fraud. As per local media reports, more than 13,000 people have been arrested in the past two months for protesting against the leader.

Belarus opposition leader says trial for Lukashenko subject to negotiation

The Trump administration on Friday imposed sanctions on a number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-announces-sanctions-list-in-retaliation-against-eu-331966">Belarus</a> officials including interior minister Yuri Karaev.

“The United States and our international partners stand united in imposing costs on those who have undermined <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-imposes-sanctions-on-belarus-lukashenko-not-on-the-list-331862">Belarusian</a> democracy for years," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

Deputy minister Alexander Barsukov, and several security officials were also targeted by the US government. The sanctions include blocking any property of individuals on US soil and banning US entities from doing business with the country which includes global banks with US branches.

"The Belarusian people's democratic aspirations to choose their own leaders and peacefully exercise their rights have been met with violence and oppression from Belarusian officials," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin added.

The European Union had earlier imposed sanctions on at least 40 individuals. However, Lukashenko's government said it had drawn up a list of people banned from entering Belarus in retaliation against EU's move.

The sanctions come after large scale protests following the August 9 elections which the Opposition said was a fraud. The US government also targeted the deputy chairperson and secretary of the central election commission who were accused of irregularities during the elections allowing President Lukashenko to retain power.

The Trump administration on Friday imposed sanctions on a number of Belarus officials including interior minister Yuri Karaev. “The United States and our international partners stand united in imposing costs on those who have undermined Belarusian democracy for years," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

The Trump administration on Friday imposed sanctions on a number of Belarus officials including interior minister Yuri Karaev. “The United States and our international partners stand united in imposing costs on those who have undermined Belarusian democracy for years," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. Deputy minister Alexander Barsukov, and several security officials were also targeted by the US government. The sanctions include blocking any property of individuals on US soil and banning US entities from doing business with the country which includes global banks with US branches. "The Belarusian people's democratic aspirations to choose their own leaders and peacefully exercise their rights have been met with violence and oppression from Belarusian officials," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin added. The European Union had earlier imposed sanctions on at least 40 individuals. However, Lukashenko's government said it had drawn up a list of people banned from entering Belarus in retaliation against EU's move. The sanctions come after large scale protests following the August 9 elections which the Opposition said was a fraud. The US government also targeted the deputy chairperson and secretary of the central election commission who were accused of irregularities during the elections allowing President Lukashenko to retain power.

After EU, Trump administration imposes sanctions on Belarus officials

Ms Tikhanovskaya, 37, who had to send her two children abroad for safety reasons, has become the surprise face of change in Belarus.

The rise of Belarus' Chernobyl child | Belarus' accidental Prez candidate

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in a phone call on Sunday that Moscow stood ready to provide help under a collective military pact if necessary, Reuters report said quoting the Kremlin statement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in a phone call on Sunday that Moscow stood ready to provide help under a collective military pact if necessary, Reuters report said quoting the Kremlin statement. The Kremlin said in the same statement that external pressure was being applied to Belarus. It did not say by whom, the report added. Also read: Putin has agreed to help security of Belarus, says Lukashenko Belarus has been rocked by a week of street protests after protesters accused Lukashenko of rigging a presidential election last Sunday. Ties between the two traditional allies had been under strain in the run up to the election, as Russia scaled back the subsidies that propped up Lukashenko's government. Russia sees Belarus as a strategic buffer against NATO and the Europeamn Union. Also read: Belarus leader Lukashenko talks to Russian President Putin, discusses protests Accused of rigging last Sunday's election, Lukashenko had earlier appealed to Putin for help as he grapples with the biggest challenge to his 26-year rule and the threat of new Western sanctions. Meanwhile, Lukashenko on Sunday spoke in front of a crowd of supporters at a rally in central Minsk asking them to defend the country and its independence. The strongman is facing the greatest challenge to his leadership from a growing protest movement fanned by a brutal police crackdown. "I'm not a fan of rallies but alas, it's not my fault I had to call you to help me," the 65-year-old said as some 10,000 supporters waved national flags and shouted "Thank you!" and "Belarus!"

'Russia ready to help militarily if necessary': Putin tells Belarusian leader Lukashenko

Opponents of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko are set to gather for another day of protest in Minsk over disputed elections last weekend.

Vladimir Putin pledges support for President Lukashenko