This one is not in the United States, and may not garner as much attention as that one did. But its importance should not be overlooked or underestimated.

On January 26, 2025, Belarus will hold its next presidential election. And the European Parliament has already had much to say about its prospects:

“Further to the announcement of the so-called presidential election in Belarus . . . we reiterate our unwavering support to the sovereignty and independence of Belarus, and our full support to the democratic right of the people of Belarus to choose their representatives in free and fair elections, conducted without interference, intimidation and under the auspices of OSCE/ODIHR in full compliance with international standards.” [MEP Malgorzata Gosiewska, European Parliament, October 29, 2024.]

The statement further discusses the deterioration of the human rights situation in Belarus since its 2020 election, including the arrest of tens of thousands of peaceful protesters and nearly 1,300 political prisoners, including opposition political individuals; and the application of torture and other inhumane punishments against political prisoners, possibly amounting to crimes against humanity. ]Id.]

No one doubts that, under present conditions, Aleksandr Lukashenko will win reelection. It is difficult to lose when any and all potential opponents have been — by one means or another — eliminated.

This would be his seventh five-year term in office, having first taken power in 1995. In parliamentary elections earlier this year, the four parties on the ballot were favorable to Lukashenko’s regime — all other parties having been dissolved following the 2020 presidential election, which had resulted in massive protests amid international charges of election fraud.

As always, this friend and lackey of Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken his method of operation directly from his sponsor’s playbook.

In 2020’s election, Lukashenko was opposed by pro-democratic candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya after her husband — who had been a leading opposition candidate — was arrested and imprisoned for 18 years. She now lives in exile. Of the coming election, she says:

“Lukashenka [sic] has announced the date of his ‘reelection’ — January 26. It’s a sham with no real electoral process, conducted in an atmosphere of terror. No alternative candidates or observers will be allowed. We call on Belarusians and the international community to reject this farce.” [Ketrin Jochecova, Politico, October 23, 2024.]

And the importance of this election to the rest of the world? Simply, Belarus’ status as a Russian puppet state, and its strategic geographical position vis-a-vis Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic states.

*. *. *

Incidentally, as an extra New Year’s gift to himself in January, Lukashenko signed into effect a law guaranteeing himself “immunity, lifelong protection and state-provided property upon his resignation from the presidential office.” [Id.]

Well planned, I’d say. It saves him the bother of having to pardon himself for the crimes he commits while in office.

Hmm . . . I wonder where he got that idea.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
11/23/24