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.
