Belarus protests after President Lukashenko declared the winner once more
Chika Mori and Lee Jay Walker
Modern Tokyo Times
Political tensions are running high in Belarus after President Lukashenko emerged victorious in the national election. Hence the announcement that he won 80 percent of the vote irked opposition groups who claim the result as fraudulent. Therefore, protests have broken out in Minsk and other parts of Belarus against the endless political reign of Lukashenko.
It is known that one demonstrator accidentally killed himself when his explosive device blew up before releasing it. Meanwhile, images show angry protesters demanding change and one person being run over in the ensuing mayhem.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the most dynamic opposition leader in the election, denounced the election result. She claims – and many others – that the elections were rigged in the favor of Lukashenko, who seeks to preserve power decade after decade.
Poland and Lithuania are naturally concerned by events in Belarus. Indeed, for Poland, they already share a border with Ukraine that is racked by divisions. Thus the presidents of Poland and Lithuania – whose countries share a border with Belarus – jointly declared for Belarus to work with the European Union and “uphold basic democratic standards.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission condemned the ongoing political crisis in Belarus. She said pointedly, “Harassment and violent repression of peaceful protesters had no place in Europe.”
Accusations of rigged elections in Belarus under Lukashenko have been going on for decades. However, it appears that more Belarussians in major cities are more disillusioned.
Equally important, Tsikhanouskaya appeals to many people who want political change. Yet, the record of endless rule by Lukashenko doesn’t point in the direction of compromise.
The usual clash between Western powers and the Russian Federation must refrain from adding fuel to the fire. Instead, it is in the interest of America, the European Union, and the Russian Federation to solve the crisis amicably and through dialogue.
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