Alliance4EuropeAuthor: Belarus Strategic Communications Centre
Published in the days before the published Presidential Elections in Belarus, which were held on 26.01.2025, this in-depth analysis examines the narratives propagated by Belarusian state media regarding the electoral process and their role in legitimising the continued rule of Alexander Lukashenko. It also provides recommendations for countering misinformation and reinforcing democratic values.
IDA_BSCC_Report_Presidential_Elections_in_Belarus_26_01_2025Key Findings
The report highlights several recurring narratives in Belarusian state media:
- Electoral Sovereignty – The Belarusian government asserts that the elections are solely an internal affair, rejecting international democratic standards and oversight.
- Legitimacy Through Law – State media claim that the elections strictly adhere to national legal frameworks, shifting the focus from transparency and fairness to procedural compliance.
- Elections as a National Ritual – The campaign is framed as a patriotic event rather than a democratic exercise, reinforcing the notion that supporting the government is a civic duty.
- External Threats and Opposition Suppression – The regime amplifies narratives about Western interference and opposition figures as foreign agents seeking to destabilise Belarus.
- Cult of Personality – Lukashenko is presented as an irreplaceable leader, with extensive public support and exceptional qualities justifying his prolonged rule.
- Learning from 2020 – The government portrays itself as having drawn lessons from past protests, vowing to prevent similar unrest and securing its control over political processes.
Conclusion
The implementation of these recommendations requires coordinated efforts aimed at exposing propaganda, consolidating society, and international pressure. These measures will help not only to counter the legitimisation of the 2025 elections, but also to strengthen Belarus’ democratic forces in the long term.