Belarus begins so-called presidential 'elections'
Photo: Alexander Lukashenko (Getty Images)
In Belarus, the so-called presidential "elections" began on the morning of January 26, with the self-proclaimed president Alexander Lukashenko once again running for office. Polling stations have opened across the country, according to the Belarus Today website.
A total of 5,325 polling stations have been established in Belarus. They opened at 8:00 a.m. local time and will remain operational until 8:00 p.m.
According to the publication, the Belarusian Central Election Commission (CEC) website offers a polling station locator service. By providing the required details, any voter can find their designated polling station. It was emphasized that each voter must cast their vote in person, as voting by proxy is not allowed.
CEC chairman Ihor Karpenko stated that international observers are allegedly monitoring the "election" process across all regions of the country. The largest observer mission is from the CIS, followed by the SCO.
Additionally, it was claimed that representatives and leaders of electoral commissions from CIS countries and beyond are present. There are also reports of individual "experts" representing nearly all continents (except Australia) and 17 Western European countries.
The publication noted that a press conference by CEC chairman Ihor Karpenko titled "Preliminary results of voting in the "presidential election" of the Republic of Belarus" is scheduled for January 27, between 2:30 and 3:00 a.m.
On the same day, Monday, January 27, at 11:00 a.m., a final press conference will be held by the CEC to announce the "preliminary results" of the "presidential election" in Belarus.
The publication also mentioned that from January 21 to 25, Belarus conducted so-called early "voting," with 41.81% of registered voters allegedly participating.
