The presidential elections in Belarus are poised to take place on January 26, 2025, with the Central Election Commission (CEC) having officially registered five candidates, including the incumbent Alexander Lukashenko. This election marks another round for Lukashenko, who has been at the helm since 1994, and it will be his seventh consecutive candidacy.
The announcement of the candidates was made during a CEC meeting, where it was confirmed who would be vying to lead the country. Alongside Lukashenko, the other candidates include Alexander Khizhnyak, Sergey Syryankov, Oleg Haydukevich, and Anna Kanopatskaya. They represent various political parties and perspectives, but many local observers have noted their close ties to the current administration.
Alexander Lukashenko is perhaps the most well-known figure in Belarusian politics, having served as president for three decades. He recently turned 70, and his political longevity is underscored by the amendments made to the constitution, which eliminated term limits for him but will impose them on future presidents starting from 2022. Should he secure victory again, this term will count as his seventh, allowing the possibility of running again in 2029.
On the other side of the political spectrum is Alexander Khizhnyak, the leader of the Republican Party of Labor and Justice. Khizhnyak is framing his campaign around accessible healthcare and education, as well as advocating for human rights and the cancellation of sanctions imposed on Belarus. His educational background includes law degrees from reputable institutions, setting him apart as a candidate with significant political experience.
Sergey Syryankov, the chairman of the Communist Party of Belarus, embodies the traditional leftist stance within the election. Coming from humble beginnings, his educational accolades include degrees from Mogilev State University and the Academy of Management under the President of the Republic of Belarus. He has signaled clear support for Lukashenko, with slogans from his party reinforcing allegiance to the incumbent's governance.
Oleg Haydukevich, head of the Liberal Democratic Party of Belarus, has also thrown his hat in the ring. With solid ties to law enforcement prior to launching his political career, he has been outspoken against opposition forces. He has famously called for the arrest of not only domestic opponents but also exiled figures, placing him firmly on the pro-Lukashenko side of the debate.
Finally, there is Anna Kanopatskaya, who has previously held office as a deputy within the National Assembly. A self-identified opposition figure, she advocates for steering Belarus toward European integration. Her previous electoral efforts saw her win only 2% of the vote, indicating the challenges she faces as she attempts to gain traction against more established candidates.
The CEC, chaired by Igor Karpenko, has described the current electoral campaign as proceeding at a high level. Various measures have been implemented to engage with voters, including establishing hotlines for feedback from citizens and organizing training sessions for district election commissions. The CEC has also begun distributing methods and guidelines for effective voting processes, with plans for training sessions spearheaded by over 200 regional trainers.
The preparations come amid heightened scrutiny due to previous elections. The mass protests following the disputed 2020 presidential election, which saw Lukashenko claiming over 80% of the votes amid widespread allegations of fraud, loom large over the current atmosphere. The aftermath of those elections saw significant civil unrest and condemnation from international entities, making the upcoming vote pivotal.
Interestingly, international observers are being brought on board with 93 registered to monitor the elections, including representatives from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and non-aligned organizations. This aims to bolster transparency and lend legitimacy to what many anticipate will be another contentious political event.
With campaigning officially permitted from January 1 to January 25, 2025, the candidates are gearing up for what promises to be a riveting electoral contest. Televised debates and public appearances will likely play out over the coming weeks as they aim to sway public opinion and gain voter confidence.
Given the stakes involved, voters will undoubtedly be keeping their eyes peeled on the platforms of these candidates. The question of whether Lukashenko can maintain his grip on power or if the emergence of any of these challengers can resonate with the electorate remains to be seen.
