Belarus: Protests ahead of the first unpredictable elections in a quarter-century

(Patria) – Thousands of citizens of the Belarusian capital took to the streets in protests on Thursday evening ahead of presidential elections that could mark the end of the long rule of the 'last European dictator'.

Autocratic leader Alexander Lukashenko faces the biggest challenge in his 26-year rule, which has largely been marked by the suppression of opposition and dissidents.

Around 5,000 demonstrators took to the streets, waving white ribbons.

- I think every five years we need a new president, we need new ideas, Anton (33) told Euronews. 'Everyone here is interested in the same thing, we want to be free,' emphasized this Minsk resident.

Belarusian citizens are deeply dissatisfied with the current electoral system, the poor economic situation, the government's authoritarianism, and Lukashenko's (mis)management of the coronavirus epidemic.

However, a change of leadership is not so certain despite strong rivals – candidates this year, given the history of unfair elections where opposition candidates were regularly prevented from running.

Prominent opposition figure Viktor Barbariko was arrested last month, thus being disqualified from running. Former ambassador Valery Tsepkalo also dropped out of the race after his petition signatures were invalidated.

However, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya (37) emerged on the scene, entering the race after her husband, well-known blogger Sergei Tikhanovsky, was arrested in May.

She has promised that if she wins, she will release political prisoners and organize new, fair elections within 6 months.