Why were several Belarusian elections criticized by international observers?

International observers have consistently criticized Belarusian elections for failing to meet democratic standards, characterizing them as undemocratic, lacking transparency, and not free or fair.12

Since the mid-1990s, the government under Alexander Lukashenko has been accused of maintaining an authoritarian regime that suppresses political opposition and silences the press. Specific reasons for the criticism of these elections include:12

• Manipulation and Intimidation: Observers have accused the president of using his executive powers to manipulate media coverage and intimidate opponents during campaigns.2
• Suppression of Opposition: Opposition candidates and campaign team members have frequently faced detention, imprisonment, or physical violence. In many instances, opposition leaders have been forced into exile.21
• Vote Rigging: Major contests, such as the 2020 presidential election, were characterized by widespread reports of vote rigging, leading to mass protests and subsequent crackdowns by authorities.2
• Lack of Transparency: Parliamentary elections, such as those in 2008 and 2012, were criticized for lacking transparency, with opposition delegates failing to win seats in a system heavily influenced by the ruling administration.2