Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko is projected to win another term in office with 87.6% of the vote, according to state TV exit polls. The election, condemned by the US and EU as a sham, saw all leading opposition figures either imprisoned or exiled. Lukashenko defended the jailing of his opponents and dismissed Western criticism, stating that he 'doesn't give a damn' about their recognition.
MINSK — Belarus ian leader Alexander Lukashenko was on track to extend his 31-year rule with 87.6% of the vote in a presidential election on Sunday, according to an exit poll broadcast on state TV, after hurling defiance at the West and defending the jailing of dissidents.The close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has led Belarus since 1994.
Human rights group Viasna, which is banned as an "extremist" organization, says there are still some 1,250 political prisoners.Lukashenko has freed more than 250 in the past year on what he called humanitarian grounds, but he denied this was meant as a signal to the West to try to repair relations."I don't give a damn about the West," he said, adding that Belarus was willing to talk to the EU but not to "bow before you or crawl on our knees.
BELARUS ELECTION LUKASHENKO OPPOSITION RUSSIA WEST DICTATORSHIP
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