Key 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.