How Belarus' Lukashenko has stayed in power for 31 years

Alexander Lukashenko, often referred to as "Europe's last dictator," has ruled Belarus for over three decades.

His tenure, which began in 1994, has been marked by a combination of political manoeuvring, economic control, and strategic alliances.

Lukashenko's rise to power began with his election as Belarus's first president in 1994, gaining 80.1% of the total votes.

Initially campaigning as an anti-corruption crusader, he quickly moved to consolidate his authority. Through a series of constitutional changes, he granted himself extensive powers, including the ability to dissolve parliament and control the judiciary.

These changes effectively eliminated any real political competition and ensured his dominance over the Belarusian political landscape.

Additionally, elections in Belarus under Lukashenko have been repeatedly criticized for being neither free nor fair. The electoral process is tightly controlled, with opposition candidates often barred from running, imprisoned, or forced into exile.

The most recent election, which extended his rule into a seventh term, was widely condemned by international observers as a sham.

Official results claimed Lukashenko won 87.6% of the vote, a figure that opposition leaders and many Belarusians dispute.

Beyond the issues of repression of dissent and economic control, Lukashenko's relationship with Russia has been a cornerstone of his long rule. Despite occasional tensions, he has relied on Russian political and economic support to bolster his regime.

In return, Belarus has provided strategic benefits to Russia, such as allowing its territory to be used for military operations. This alliance has helped Lukashenko weather international sanctions and diplomatic isolation.