Belarusians are voting in a closely-managed presidential election that is all but certain to extend the one-man rule of Alexander Lukashenko, in power since 1994 and Europe’s longest-serving leader.

Belarus votes in orchestrated election all but certain to extend the rule of authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko

Belarusians vote for the stable development of their country and continuity of traditions, Vitebsk Oblast Governor Aleksandr Subbotin told journalists after casting his ballot, BelTA has learned.

MINSK -- The presidential election kicked off in Belarus on Sunday with polling stations opening at 8:00 am (0500 GMT) and closing at 8 pm (1700 GMT). Five candidates, including incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko, have been registered for the presidential election.

Belarusian strongman President Alexander Lukashenko is poised to extend his rule into a fourth decade in a tightly-controlled vote where he faces no opposition.

January 2025 in Belarus is not one of them. Drive around Minsk and you'll see no big billboards promoting the portraits of candidates. There is little campaigning. The grey skies and sleet of a Belarusian winter add to an overriding sense of inactivity.

By Mark Trevelyan (Reuters) -Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 15 prisoners on Friday in what state media called a humanitarian gesture, two days before an election in which he is set to extend his 31-year rule.