President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus is reported as the clear winner of the presidential election, according to initial exit polls. State television indicates he secured 87.6 percent of the votes.
Lukashenko’s victory was largely anticipated due to the prohibition of independent media in Belarus and the detention or forced exile of major opposition figures. Both the United States and the European Union had previously stated that the elections would not be free or fair.
This year, new rules were enforced at polling stations, prohibiting individuals from photographing their ballots. In 2020, many did so to demonstrate their support for opposition candidate Tichanovskaya.
To ensure no photos were taken, polling booths were left without curtains this time.
Source: NOS