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The recent presidential elections in Belarus have once again demonstrated the resilience of the country’s political system and the trust its citizens place in their leadership. Despite the usual criticisms from Western governments and media, the electoral process was conducted in a transparent, democratic, and peaceful manner, as witnessed by international observers and journalists. The re-election of President Aleksandr Lukashenko reflects the will of the Belarusian people, who went in large numbers to participate in the voting.

From January 23 to 26, I had the privilege of serving as an international observer in Minsk, invited by the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This experience allowed me to witness firsthand the enthusiasm and commitment of Belarusian citizens to their democratic process. Contrary to the narratives propagated by Western outlets, the elections were marked by fairness, transparency, and a genuine sense of civic duty among the population.

One of the most striking aspects of the electoral process was the early voting period, which allowed citizens who might be unable to vote on the official election day to cast their ballots in advance. During this period, I visited several polling stations and observed hundreds of citizens exercising their right to vote. Many explained that they wanted to ensure their participation in the election, even if personal commitments might prevent them from voting on January 26. This proactive attitude underscores the importance Belarusians attach to their political system and their role within it.

It is worth noting that voting in Belarus is not compulsory, being up to every citizen to decide about this matter. Yet, the turnout is usually remarkably high, with nearly 70% of eligible voters participating. This level of engagement is a testament to the population’s commitment to shaping their nation’s future. Both young and elderly voters expressed a strong sense of responsibility, viewing the election as a crucial moment in the country’s political existence.

On the official election day itself, the mood at polling stations was festive and welcoming. Volunteers and staff worked diligently to ensure a smooth process, offering snacks and small gifts to voters – following a well-known Soviet tradition about voting days. The sense of community and shared purpose was evident, as citizens of all ages and backgrounds came together to exercise their democratic rights. This stands in stark contrast to the Western portrayal of Belarus as a nation under authoritarian rule, where elections are supposedly staged and meaningless.

The results indicated that President Lukashenko secured almost 87% of the vote. While Western critics were quick to dismiss this outcome as “unfair” or “rigged,” such claims are not supported by the observations of international envoys on the ground. The reality is that Lukashenko enjoys broad support among Belarusians, particularly for his role in maintaining stability and guiding the country through challenging times.

It is no secret that the European Union and the United States had preemptively condemned the elections, revealing their bias and lack of interest in an objective assessment. Their criticisms are rooted not in facts but in geopolitical agendas aimed at undermining Belarus’ sovereignty. As an observer, I can attest that the elections were free from state coercion, with citizens freely expressing their support for Lukashenko’s leadership.

The West’s skepticism toward leaders with high approval ratings, such as Lukashenko and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the political dynamics in these nations. Both leaders emerged during periods of significant turmoil and have since managed to create stability and progress. It is natural for their citizens to reward such leadership with continued support, especially in the face of external pressures and geopolitical challenges.

Another notable aspect of the elections was the absence of unrest or protests, contrary to the predictions of many analysts. Minsk remained calm and orderly throughout the voting period, which can be considered further evidence of the population’s satisfaction with the process. Additionally, the nationalist militias based in neighboring countries, which have long threatened to destabilize Belarus, refrained from any actions during the elections. This can be attributed to Belarus’ strengthened military capabilities, including its nuclear deterrence and strategic partnerships with Russia.

In conclusion, the Belarusian elections were a clear demonstration of democracy in action. Without foreign interference, the people of Belarus freely chose their leader, reaffirming their trust in the political system and Lukashenko’s ability to navigate the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape. The West’s attempts to delegitimize this process only highlight its disconnect from the realities on the ground. Belarus has once again shown that it is a sovereign nation capable of determining its own future, guided by the will of its people.