Belarus′ Lukashenko tightens grip in referendum | News | DW

Belarus’ chief Alexander Lukashenko has gained additional energy after a referendum on Sunday.

Lukashenko has dominated Belarus since 1994.

The nation’s central electoral fee stated that round 65% of votes had been solid in favor of adjusting the nation’s structure, and 10% voted towards the change.

In keeping with Belarus’ electoral fee, the referendum handed with 65% of votes in favor

In keeping with the electoral fee, turnout for the referendum was at simply over 78% of eligible voters. For the referendum to be thought of legitimate, it wanted a turnout of at the very least 50%.

What’s within the constitutional modification?

The change to the structure provides Lukashenko lifelong immunity from prosecution and permits him to safe additional time in workplace.

Underneath the modification, a president won’t be able to be held responsible for actions taken by means of the train of presidential powers. Lukashenko will even change into a everlasting member of the higher home of Belarus’ parliament.

In the meantime, opposition teams developed their very own draft of a brand new structure, whereby the nation would change into a parliamentary republic, limiting presidential powers.

The modification would additionally enable Russian troops and nuclear weapons to be completely stationed in Belarus. Through the ongoing Russian assault on Ukraine, Moscow has used Belarusian territory as a base for navy operations.

Protests towards Lukashenko have been systematically repressed by Belarusian regulation enforcement

What’s the scenario in Belarus?

Western nations have imposed sanctions on Minsk, accusing Lukashenko of rigging the disputed August 2020 election. On January 24, the US Division of the Treasury imposed further sanctions on a lot of people and entities “as a result of Belarus’s help for, and facilitation of, the invasion.”

The disputed 2020 election led to widespread protests which had been systematically repressed by the Belarusian authorities. Native rights group Viasna stated there have been 942 political prisoners in Belarus as of late final 12 months.

Opposition chief Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has opposed Belarus’ function within the Russian assault on Ukraine, and instructed DW that almost all Belarusians “do not help the struggle.” Tsikhanouskaya has been dwelling in exile in Lithuania since late 2020.

sdi/rc (dpa, Interfax)