"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland expresses its disappointment at the presidential elections in Belarus, which were held today in violation of basic democratic procedures," it said a statement on Sunday.
'Repression against political opponents'
"Actions of the authorities prevented independent candidates from taking part in the elections," the Polish foreign ministry added. "The campaign was accompanied by repression against political opponents and intimidation of representatives of Belarusian civil society."
The statement further said: "Under widespread censorship and state propaganda, a significant number of Belarusians did not have access to independent and reliable information. As a result, Belarusian society was effectively deprived of its right to vote."
It continued: "These factors do not allow us to consider the outcome of today’s elections as credible and reflecting the will of the Belarusian people, who have demonstrated their maturity and understanding of democratic processes more than once in recent history."
The Polish foreign ministry concluded its statement by saying that "only openness to dialogue, willingness to cooperate, and compliance with UN and OSCE standards and the fundamental rights of every human being will ensure development and prosperity for Belarus."
It called on the Belarusian authorities "to initiate a process that will result in a truly free and democratic Belarus without political prisoners and persecution, and a source of pride for all its citizens."
An exit poll broadcast on state television projected that Lukashenko would take nearly 88 percent of the vote, the Reuters news agency reported.
Officials said that turnout was 85.7 percent, according to Reuters.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, gov.pl, Reuters