Belarus elections dubbed fraudulent as EU toughens stance
European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper commented on the presidential elections in Belarus scheduled for Sunday, describing them as a "complete fraud." She emphasised that this "exercise" cannot be called an election because the outcome is already predetermined, rendering the electoral process merely a facade.
Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, is one of the five candidates running in Sunday’s presidential election. However, given the context of increasing repression and the lack of fundamental democratic standards, the entire election procedure is considered inauthentic. Lukashenko seeks to extend his presidency for a seventh consecutive term.
When asked on Friday about the actions the European Commission plans to take concerning the elections in Belarus, Anitta Hipper stressed that the European Union continues to exert pressure on the regime in Minsk.
In December 2024, the EU decided to impose additional sanctions on Belarus, targeting individuals responsible for human rights violations.
"We remain aware of all those unjustly detained political prisoners. We call on the authorities in Minsk to release these arbitrarily detained individuals and halt ongoing repression," Hipper said. She added that the EU financially supports civil society in Belarus, granting £145 million so far.
At the same time, Radio Free Europe reported on the release of eight political prisoners according to Lukashenko’s decree and seven individuals convicted of drug offences. According to experts, such regime moves might be an attempt to send positive signals towards the West to restore even partial legitimacy and normalisation of relations.
On Tuesday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the European Commission and member states to increase pressure on the regime in Minsk through further sanctions.
