Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko wins sixth term; opposition rejects election result
- Veteran President Alexander Lukashenko wins sixth term, election official says
- Opposition challenger rejects result, appeals for an end to the violence
The main challenger in Belarus’ disputed election called on President Alexander Lukashenko to give up power on Monday after a fierce police crackdown on protesters saw dozens wounded and hundreds detained.
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, whose surprise candidacy posed the biggest challenge to the veteran leader in years, said Sunday’s presidential vote had been rigged and accused authorities of resorting to force to hold on to power.
“The voters made their choice but the authorities did not hear us, they have broken with the people,” Tikhanovskaya told a press conference after police used stun grenades, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse crowds in Minsk and other cities.
“The authorities should think about how to peacefully hand over power to us,” she said. “I consider myself the winner of this election.”
Election officials announced Lukashenko’s re-election to a sixth term on Monday morning, saying he had won with more than 80 per cent of the vote, with Tikhanovskaya coming second with just under 10 per cent.
