'A performance and a sham': Belarusian opposition denounces election

BBC - Jan 24th, 2025
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This weekend, Belarus is set to hold an election, which exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya denounces as a 'sham' orchestrated by the authoritarian regime of Alexander Lukashenko. Backed by Russia's Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko continues to suppress opposition, with no independent observers allowed and a carefully selected slate of candidates. The regime's tight grip follows massive protests in 2020, when Tikhanovskaya claimed victory against Lukashenko. The protests were crushed with force, leading to her exile and imprisonment or silencing of many opposition figures.

The upcoming election highlights ongoing repression in Belarus, with the government stifling dissent and monitoring potential protesters. Many Belarusians live in fear, communicating through encrypted messages, while organizations like Bysol aid those seeking to flee. Tikhanovskaya urges the international community to reject the election results, emphasizing the need for global support against dictators like Lukashenko and Putin. Despite the bleak outlook, there's a growing interest in Belarusian culture and language, signaling an enduring desire for change among the people.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and timely account of the political situation in Belarus, focusing on the repression faced by opposition figures and the broader implications for democracy and human rights. It excels in clarity and engagement, using personal stories to humanize the political struggle. While the narrative is well-structured and compelling, it could benefit from greater balance by including perspectives from the Belarusian government. The reliance on opposition sources and anonymous accounts, while necessary, affects source quality and transparency. Overall, the story effectively highlights critical issues of public interest and has the potential to influence public opinion and international discourse on authoritarianism and democracy.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately portrays the political climate in Belarus, particularly focusing on the authoritarian rule of Alexander Lukashenko and the repression of opposition figures like Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. The claim that Lukashenko is backed by Vladimir Putin aligns with the broader geopolitical context of Belarus's relationship with Russia. The article correctly notes the absence of independent observers in the election and the history of protest suppression following the 2020 elections. However, specific numbers, such as the exact count of political prisoners and details about the EU's stance, require precise verification. The narrative about the repression and fear among Belarusians is consistent with reports from human rights organizations, though exact figures and specific incidents might vary slightly.

7
Balance

The story predominantly features the perspective of the opposition and those critical of Lukashenko's regime, which is understandable given the context. It provides a detailed account of the repression faced by political opponents and activists. However, it lacks representation from the Belarusian government or pro-Lukashenko voices, which could offer a more balanced view. The focus on opposition narratives might lead to an impression of bias, although the article does not explicitly express favoritism. Including official statements or perspectives from government representatives could improve balance.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and effectively communicates the complex political situation in Belarus. It uses straightforward language and provides a logical flow of information, detailing the events leading up to the current election and the ongoing repression of the opposition. The narrative is compelling and easy to follow, though some complex geopolitical references might require additional context for readers unfamiliar with the region.

6
Source quality

The article relies heavily on statements from opposition figures like Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and anecdotal evidence from individuals affected by the regime's repression. While these sources provide valuable insights, the lack of direct attribution to official documents or statements from the Belarusian government limits the depth of source quality. The reliance on anonymous sources, while necessary for safety, affects the perceived reliability. Greater use of verified data from international bodies or human rights organizations could enhance source credibility.

7
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of the situation in Belarus, but it lacks explicit transparency regarding the sources of some claims. While it effectively conveys the atmosphere of fear and repression, it could benefit from clearer citations and references to specific reports or data. The use of anonymous sources is understandable given the context, but acknowledging the limitations this imposes on verification would enhance transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.belarus.by/en/government/belarus-elections/presidential-election-belarus-2025
  2. https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article/qa-belarus-election-is-all-but-a-foregone-conclusion
  3. https://prismua.org/en/english-the-2025-presidential-elections-in-belarus/
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Belarusian_presidential_election
  5. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/01/17/the-2025-belarusian-presidential-elections/