The Belarusian Helsinki Committee and the Viasna Human Rights Center have released a preliminary report on the 2025 election in Belarus as part of the “Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections” campaign. The findings highlight the lack of democratic voting conditions and record widespread violations.
Key findings are as follows:
- The “election” did not meet international standards. Lack of transparency, suppression of the opposition, and voter intimidation were recorded.
- No independent observers could monitor the campaign. The authorities failed to issue a timely and unrestricted invitation to the OSCE, violating Belarus’ international commitments.
- State resources were mobilized to support Lukashenka. Forced voting, coerced signature collection, and massive propaganda efforts were documented.
- Repression and intimidation were part of the campaign. Key challengers from past elections remained imprisoned or in exile, while arrests and “preventive conversations” with activists continued inside the country.
Evidence of fraud and voter coercion include:
- 41.81% early voters – a record even surpassing the 2020 election.
- Ban on ballot photos – authorities fear exposure of falsifications.
- Coercion and intimidation – open voting booths, surveillance cameras, and police presence at polling stations.
- Turnout manipulation – the reported 85.7% voter participation is simply impossible.
Conclusion:
Lukashenka continues to hold onto power by force, citizens remain intimidated, and the electoral process is nothing more than a tool to legitimize the regime.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau:
“The Lukashenka regime completely ignored the fundamental principles of free and fair elections enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The absence of independent observation, forced voting, and the intimidation of opposition figures are not just violations of international norms – they represent a blatant usurpation of power that contradicts the very essence of a democratic state and the rule of law. We thank the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, the Viasna Human Rights Center, and everyone fighting for truth and democracy in Belarus!”
