The presidential election in Belarus began on Sunday, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape.
Polling stations across the nation opened their doors to voters at 8 a.m. local time, and they will remain operational until 8 p.m. Over 6.9 million registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this critical election.
Incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko is among the five candidates contesting for the presidency. The election process is governed by strict rules, ensuring its legitimacy.
For the election to be considered valid, more than half of the registered voters must participate. A candidate needs to secure over 50 per cent of the votes to be declared the winner. In the event of no candidate achieving this majority, a second round of voting will be held between the two leading contenders.
The Central Election Commission has taken significant steps to ensure a smooth voting process. A total of 5,325 polling stations have been set up across various regions, including 925 in Gomel, 894 in Minsk, and 861 in Brest.
The capital city of Minsk has 701 stations, while other regions, such as Mogilev, Vitebsk, and Grodno, have also established numerous voting centres.
To accommodate voters unable to participate on election day, early voting was held from January 21 to 25. During this period, 41.81 per cent of eligible voters cast their ballots, according to the Central Election Commission.
This initiative was introduced to enhance accessibility and ensure broader participation in the electoral process.
Belarus conducts its presidential elections every five years, with the president being elected through direct voting.
The electoral process emphasises majority support, requiring a candidate to win over half of the votes. Should no candidate achieve this threshold, a run-off election will determine the winner, based on a simple majority.
The last presidential election, held on August 9, 2020, saw Alexander Lukashenko secure his sixth term with an overwhelming 80.1 per cent of the vote. This year’s election will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as it plays a pivotal role in shaping Belarus’s political future.
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