. A state-run exit poll, released minutes after voting ended, declared Mr. Lukashenko had won a sweeping victory with almost 80 per cent of the vote.
A calm transfer of power seemed unlikely on Sunday. The country’s security services began arresting opposition figures even before voting began. The struggle for Belarus is fraught with geopolitical implications. A former Soviet republic that still play host to Russian military bases on its soil, the country is strategically located between Russia to the east, and NATO members Poland, Latvia and Lithuania to the west and north.The situation has drawn comparisons with events in neighbouring Ukraine six years ago, when a pro-Russian strongman was ousted by pro-Western crowds.
Mr. Viacorka said there was little doubt that Ms. Tikhanovskaya had received more votes than Mr. Lukashenko. “But that’s not enough. The major competition is happening on the streets, and without any internet or correspondents [to witness] – and Lukashenko has the soldiers, the army and the KGB on his side.”
The people of Belarus want closer ties with the rest of Europe, not just Russia.
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