The recent presidential election in Belarus, held on January 26, took place in an environment marked by repression. State censorship was prevalent, and there was a sustained crackdown on free media and civil society organizations. Democratic opposition figures were excluded from participating in the political process.
Alyaksandr Lukashenka declared victory amid what has been described as a flawed electoral process where he faced no substantial competition. His government continues to detain those expressing dissenting opinions, with approximately 1,250 political prisoners still incarcerated despite some recent releases.
Concerns have been raised over Belarus's decision not to invite the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to observe the election. This omission is seen as further diminishing the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.
There is a reminder issued to Belarus regarding its commitment to OSCE principles, which emphasize respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, obligations that all participating states have agreed to uphold.