The Progressive Alliance does not recognize the illegitimate presidential elections held in Belarus on January 26, 2025. Conducted in an environment of widespread repression and fear, these elections failed to meet even the most basic international and domestic democratic standards and served only to extend Lukashenko’s authoritarian rule.
In preparation for the elections, the Minsk regime dismantled all political opposition by dissolving democratic parties, including the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Hramada)—a full member of the Progressive Alliance founded in 1991. Independent media outlets, public organizations, trade unions, and religious institutions have been systematically suppressed, with daily convictions of dissenting individuals under arbitrary charges, often without legal representation. The persecution of political opponents and the broader suppression of civil and political rights have remained unrelenting since 2020, forcing more than 500,000 Belarusians into exile.
Contrary to the regime’s claims, Lukashenko’s prolonged grip on power has delivered neither security, peace, nor progress. Instead, it has led to deepening economic decline, social regression, and increased dependence on external forces, particularly Russia. The so-called election, held without genuine political alternatives, offers no solutions to the real challenges faced by the Belarusian people and further isolates the country from the international community.
The Progressive Alliance reaffirms its unwavering support for democracy in Belarus. We strongly condemn the regime’s attacks on opposition figures, media, trade unions, and civil society organizations and call for the immediate release of all political prisoners. The restoration of a genuine multiparty system and the reinstatement of fundamental freedoms are crucial for Belarus to move forward.
We urge democratic governments and international organizations to take decisive action by increasing diplomatic and economic pressure on the regime while strengthening support for Belarusian civil society and democratic forces striving for change. Only through unwavering international solidarity can the people of Belarus reclaim their rights and build a future grounded in freedom, justice, and dignity.
📷 Protest rally against Lukashenko, 30 August 2020, Minsk, Belarus. By Homoatrox, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
