Lukashenko Extends His Rule in Belarusian Vote Called Sham
- The 70-year-old strongman claims 86.8% of popular vote
- Exiled opposition leader calls Sunday’s efforts a ‘farce’
Alexander Lukashenko casts his ballot in Minsk, on Jan. 26.
Photographer: Natalia Koleshnikova/AFP/Getty Images
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko extended his rule in a tightly-controlled vote where he faced no opposition and that’s been called a “sham” by the European Union.
The incumbent received 86.8% of the popular vote, Chairman of the country’s Central Election Commission Igor Karpenko said during a video briefing from Minsk early Monday.