Belarus’ Election Reinforces Authoritarian Leader’s Rule Despite Opposition’s Call for a Boycott

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko addresses the media after voting at a polling station in Minsk, Belarus, on Feb. 25, 2024. Belarusian Presidential Press Service via AP

TALLINN, Estonia—Belarusian authorities on Monday announced preliminary results from parliamentary and local elections in which only candidates loyal to the country’s authoritarian leader were allowed to compete and the opposition called for a boycott.

The vote further cemented the 30-year rule of President Alexander Lukashenko, who declared his intention to seek another five-year term in a presidential election next year.