Henrik Dams, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), expressed doubts about the honesty of the presidential elections held on the eve of Belarus. The corresponding statement was published on August 10 on the organization’s website.
“I closely followed the presidential elections in Belarus, as well as the events of last night after the end of the voting. I deeply regret that these elections were far from being [считаться] free and honest, ”the statement said.
Dams said some candidates were unable to campaign freely, which revealed cases of “restrictions on freedom of assembly and freedom of expression,” as well as the widespread detention of peaceful demonstrators, activists and journalists. The early voting procedure was also questioned.
“Despite the deep disappointment of these elections, we are still looking forward to the day when European democratic values will fully prevail in Belarus,” added Dams.
The day before, presidential elections were held in Belarus. According to preliminary data from the Central Election Commission, Lukashenko won 80.23% of the vote, and Svetlana Tikhanovskaya – 9.9%.
After that, unauthorized protests began in Minsk and other cities of Belarus. The protesters expressed their disagreement with the results of the electoral process. The offenses were accompanied by the destruction of property, resistance to the authorities. In response to the unauthorized rallies, Belarusian law enforcement officers used tear gas and flash bangs against the protesters in Minsk. In addition, it became known about the collision of a van on demonstrators.
Lukashenko has held the post of President of Belarus since 1994; if he wins, it will be his sixth term.