Send Print Share

Crisis and EU foreign policy / Policy Brief

Elections in Belarus: regime change?

24/11/2010 By Balázs Jarábik

Belarus’ presidential elections, on 19 December, come at a difficult moment for the country. Russia’s dissatisfaction with footing Belarus’ bills, but not getting what it wants in return, has grown into a smear campaign against president Alexander Lukashenka. The European Union is equally fed up with Minsk’s hostility to political reform. Europe is offering millions of euros in assistance for free elections. And cash is undoubtedly the carrot that matters most in Minsk.

Belarusians are ready for change. However, with the EU and Russia neutralising each other’s efforts, Lukashenka is expected to remain in power. With no serious challenger, the biggest threat to his success is the turnout.

Download the full version of this publication, available in English (95 kB)

To read or listen to the comments of our experts in the media about this and other topics, please visit our Press section.

Keywords

Belarus Democracy Democracy promotion Eastern Europe Elections EU European Union Political Reform Russia

Bio author: Balázs Jarábik

Belarus. Ukraine. Russia. Caucasus. Central Asia. Eurasia. Commonwealth of Independent States.Democracy promotion.