The ministry added that political repression in Belarus has deprived citizens of a genuine choice, turning the elections into a one-man political "farce"—one designed to keep Alexander Lukashenko in power.
“Elections conducted under conditions of complete administrative control, political persecution, lack of genuine political competition, suppression of freedom of speech, and absence of independent media cannot be legitimate,” the statement said.
“It is a farce.”
The ministry noted that it fully agrees with the European Union's External Action Service's assessments regarding the election results.
“We express our support for those Belarusians who continue to fight for democratic changes in their country, its independence, and the preservation of their national dignity and identity,” the message added.
Earlier on Jan. 27, the United Kingdom, along with Canada, imposed sanctions on Belarus in response to the rigged elections, which proceeded without OSCE observers.