Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a long-standing figure in the country's political landscape, has announced his intention to run for another term in the upcoming 2025 elections. Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, is known for his authoritarian rule and close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The last presidential election in Belarus took place in 2020 and was marred by allegations of widespread voter fraud. Observers reported instances of ballot stuffing and other irregularities, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the results. In response to the disputed election, protests erupted across the country, leading to a harsh crackdown by Lukashenko's government.