Long-time Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko said Monday the country's military will ensure that this year's presidential elections are conducted in an "orderly and calm" manner, the Belarussian Telegraph Agency reported.
"We cannot allow any uncontrolled situation and destabilization in the country," the Belarussian Telegraph Agency cited Lukashenko as saying Monday. "This depends, most of all, on [...] military men. The Belarussian people trust their army and are confident in the reliability of the national security system."
Presidential elections are set to take place on Nov. 20. Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, is unlikely to face real challengers. In 2010, Lukashenko received nearly 80 percent of the votes, while his runner up received only about 2.4 percent.
Thousands of Belarussians angry with the outcome of that round of elections took to the streets in protest. More than 600 activists, journalists and regular protesters were arrested, many reporting having suffered beatings, the Belarussian Telegraph reported at the time.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
