Speaking at a press conference in Warsaw on Sunday, Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that the election lacked any democratic legitimacy, citing the absence of international observers and credible opposition candidates.
This year’s election, widely seen as a continuation of the regime’s authoritarian practices, has further cemented Lukashenko’s grip on power. However, the Belarusian opposition remains resolute in its demand for democratic reforms.
Tsikhanouskaya praised the United States, the European Union and 37 other nations for preemptively refusing to recognize the election results.
She noted that such early declarations were unprecedented and reflected the failure of Lukashenko’s regime to legitimize itself on the international stage.
'Belarusians will never accept Lukashenko'
"Belarusians will never accept Lukashenko — he is a criminal holding 9 million people hostage with Putin’s help," she stated.
Belarusian voters headed to the ballot box on Sunday, with Lukashenko, who has ruled with increasing autocracy since 1994, seeking a seventh term in office.
Critics, including the opposition, refer to the process as "non-elections," highlighting the lack of genuine competition and transparency.
Local reports claim that security officials visited opposition activists ahead of the vote, warning them against participating in any activities the regime deems extremist.
During the press conference, Tsikhanouskaya reiterated the opposition's demands for free and fair elections, the release of all political prisoners, and accountability for those responsible for crimes against Belarusians.
"Thousands are imprisoned for political reasons. We demand justice, and those responsible must face consequences," she declared.
'The victims of Lukashenko’s crimes are waiting for justice'
Pavel Latushka, deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, the country's government-in-exile, also addressed the audience, outlining two possible paths for addressing the situation: political and legal.
Politically, he urged democratic nations to continue rejecting Lukashenko’s presidency and avoid restoring his legitimacy based on what he called an electoral farce.
Legally, Latushka appealed to EU member states to support Lithuania’s 2022 request for the International Criminal Court in The Hague to investigate Lukashenko for cross-border crimes against humanity.
"The victims of Lukashenko’s crimes are waiting for justice," Latushka said.
He expressed gratitude to Poland for its support, referencing remarks by Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, who recently affirmed that Poland, now holding the EU Council presidency, would oppose any return to normal relations with Belarus or Russia until their aggression ceases.
Latushka called this stance “a very important signal for all of us.”
'Not My Choice'
Earlier in the day, Tsikhanouskaya joined a protest march in Warsaw under the slogan “Not My Choice,” organized by Belarusian exiles.
Participants carried white-red-white opposition flags and chanted “Long Live Belarus!” as well as “Slava Ukraini!”
The march concluded at the Polish capital's Castle Square, where Tsikhanouskaya addressed the crowd, urging continued resistance against Lukashenko’s regime.
Poland voices disappointment over Belarus vote
Poland's foreign ministry on Sunday expressed its disappointment with the Belarusian presidential vote, saying in a statement that the election was held "in violation of basic democratic procedures" and "accompanied by repression against political opponents."
The Polish foreign ministry 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 on Sunday projected that Lukashenko would take more than 87 percent of the vote, the Reuters news agency reported.
Officials said that turnout was 85.7 percent, according to Reuters.
Five years earlier, in the disputed 2020 presidential election, Tsikhanouskaya ran in place of her husband, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, who had been jailed by the Lukashenko regime after announcing his candidacy.
Official results gave Lukashenko 80.1 percent of the vote, sparking mass protests across Belarus amid allegations of vote rigging.
The demonstrations were met with violent crackdowns, and Tsikhanouskaya was forced into exile.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, gov.pl, Reuters