Belarus opposition chief tells citizens to skip January vote - heres why

In a pre-election period Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya the main opposition figure of Belarus advises citizens to avoid demonstrations during Jan-26 elections: this vote she states is just a show to make Alexander Lukashenko look legitimate

The situation remains tough since 2020s disputed election (when massive protests shook the country); about thirty-thousand people got detained and lots of them still sit in jail. Lukashenko whoʼs been running Belarus since mid-90s wants his seventh term now - and heʼs got strong backing from Putin

The countrys police force announced theyʼll do special training before voting day to stop what they call “extremist acts“; meanwhile Tsikhanouskaya who left Belarus after last elections says people shouldnt risk their safety. “These so-called elections arent worth sacrificing yourself for“ she explains from Lithuania where she lives now with tight security

• Spoil your ballot papers if forced to vote
• Ask foreign countries for more sanctions
• Keep building underground resistance
• Wait for better time to show protest

Around half-a-million people left Belarus since last elections but some stay and fight quietly - theyre making secret groups to oppose Lukashenko. Even though he freed some political inmates lately more than 1200 people stay locked up including Syarhei Tsikhanouski the opposition leaders husband

I dont decide whether or not I am in power or not the people entrusted me with this high office