Parliament Denounces the Upcoming Sham Presidential Election in Belarus
Brussels, 22 January 2025 – The European Parliament has strongly condemned the upcoming presidential election in Belarus, scheduled for 22 August 2025, as a “sham” and a “blatant disregard for democratic principles.”
In a resolution adopted by a large majority, Parliament denounced the systematic repression of opposition candidates, independent media, and civil society in Belarus and accused the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko of “stealing the elections.”
Parliament called on the Belarusian authorities to:
- Release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally.
- Allow for free and fair elections in line with international standards.
- Guarantee freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
- End the crackdown on independent media and civil society.
Parliament also called on the European Union and its international partners to:
- Impose targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for the repression in Belarus.
- Support democratic forces in Belarus and provide financial assistance to independent media and civil society organizations.
- Promote accountability for human rights violations committed by the regime.
The resolution follows months of escalating tensions in Belarus, which began in August 2020 when Lukashenko claimed victory in a widely disputed presidential election. Mass protests erupted across the country, and Lukashenko responded with a brutal crackdown on dissent.
Since then, hundreds of opposition figures have been arrested and jailed, independent media outlets have been shut down, and any form of political dissent has been suppressed.
The upcoming presidential election is widely seen as a further attempt by Lukashenko to consolidate his grip on power. Only compliant candidates have been allowed to run, and the opposition has been effectively banned from campaigning.
Parliament warned that the holding of sham elections would further erode the legitimacy of the Lukashenko regime and would not be recognized by the international community.
The resolution was adopted by 592 votes to 51, with 27 abstentions.
Press release – Parliament denounces the upcoming sham presidential election in Belarus
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