Belarus Prepares for Election with Extensive Police Drills

Authorities conduct anti-riot exercises as President Lukashenko seeks a seventh term.

Belarusian police have initiated anti-riot drills ahead of the January 26 presidential election, signaling zero tolerance for protests.
Interior Minister Ivan Kubrakov stated the drills aim to prevent extremism and terrorism, and maintain public order.
Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya criticized the drills as preparation for suppressing dissent, calling the upcoming election fictitious.
Past elections in Belarus have seen significant crackdowns, with 65,000 arrests following the disputed 2020 vote.
President Lukashenko has pardoned 146 political prisoners since July, possibly indicating a willingness to engage with Western powers.