Token Candidates vs. Lukashenko: Elections Begin in Belarus

The main day of the presidential elections has begun in Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko, who has held power for 30 years, is once again running in a race against what are widely considered to be "decorative candidates," reports NewsBox. 

In Belarus, voting began for the presidential elections, which had been rescheduled from July 2025 to January 26. Alexander Lukashenko, who has been leading the country for three decades, has once more submitted his candidacy. Besides him, four other participants are contending for the head of state, many of whom are perceived as "puppet candidates."

The previous presidential campaign in the summer of 2020 sparked widespread protests as the opposition did not recognize the results. These demonstrations were harshly suppressed, attracting significant attention from the international community.

Experts suggest that the current elections will also take place under heightened control by the authorities.