The document denounces the presidential election scheduled for Jan. 26 in Belarus, urging the European Union to declare it a sham due to the absence of democratic standards and the repressive conditions in the country. MEPs also called on the EU and the international community not to recognize Lukashenko's legitimacy after the vote.
Unlike in 2020, the resolution notes that this election features only token candidates. European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius criticized Lukashenko’s decision not to invite OSCE observers, describing it as further evidence of a lack of transparency.
The resolution also raises concerns about the plight of political prisoners in Belarus. According to the Belarusian human rights organization Viasna, there are over 1,200 political prisoners in the country. MEPs urged the EU to continue investigating human rights violations in Belarus and support efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
Early voting for the Jan. 26 presidential election began in Belarus on Jan. 21 and will continue until Jan. 25. The Belarusian Central Election Commission (CEC) reported a record turnout on the first day of early voting, with 7.81% of eligible voters casting their ballots. The highest participation rates were recorded in Brest Oblast (8.95%), Vitebsk Oblast (7.45%), and Gomel Oblast (7.01%).
The previous presidential election in Belarus, held on Aug. 9, 2020, sparked widespread protests across the country. Lukashenko’s regime deployed police, riot forces, and the military to suppress demonstrations, resulting in thousands of arrests, at least two deaths, and around 200 injuries.
On Aug. 14, 2020, the Belarusian CEC announced Lukashenko’s "victory," claiming he secured 80.10% of the vote with a turnout of 84.05%. The European Union and several countries, including Ukraine, refused to recognize the results.
In 2022, the self-proclaimed president signed constitutional amendments that allow him to remain in power until 2035.