Lukashenko Wins Belarusian Election, UK Condemns Fake Presidential Election, European Allies Prepare Sanctions

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko/DOK kremlin.ru

JAKARTA - Britain, the European Union and its allies condemned what they called the "fake" presidential election in Belarus after Alexander Lukashenko's claim of victory.

Britain has announced sanctions targeting Belarusian defense officials and companies.

"We unite in condemning the election of a fake president in Belarus on January 26 and human rights violations committed by the Belarusian regime," read a joint statement from Australia, Canada, the European Union, New Zealand, and Britain.

The statement was published on the UK government website.

The sanctions announced recently represent coordinated multilateral efforts to hold the (Alexander) regime (Alexander) to account for Lukashenko.

Belarusian leader and Russian ally Alexander Lukashenko extended his power for 31 years on Monday after election officials declared him the winner of a presidential election rejected by Western authorities for being considered fake.

Lukashenko, who did not face serious challenges from four other candidates in the vote, voted 86.8 percent, according to preliminary tally results.

European politicians say the vote was unfair and unfair because independent media was banned in the former Soviet republic and all prominent opposition figures have been jailed or forced to flee abroad.

The Belarusian people have no choice. This is a bitter day for everyone who longs for freedom and democracy, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote on X reported by Reuters, Monday, January 27.

Opposition leaders in exile Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for the expansion of Western sanctions against Belarusian companies and individuals involved in oppressing opponents of Lukashenko and supplying ammunition for Russian war efforts in Ukraine.

"As long as Belarus is under the control of Lukashenko and Putin, there will be constant threats to peace and security throughout the region," he said.

Head of EU Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and Expansion Commissioner Marta Kos said the bloc would continue to implement restriction measures and targets against the regime' while supporting civil society and the opposition in exile.