Presidential election 2025 in Belarus
Karpenko explains why Belarus’ presidential election was scheduled for 26 January
MINSK, 23 October (BelTA) – At a meeting of the House of Representatives, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Belarus Igor Karpenko explained the rationale behind scheduling the Belarus presidential election for 26 January 2025, BelTA has learned.
“The Belarusian president-elect will be inaugurated within two months after the election. Thus, holding the election on this day will shorten the tenure of the incumbent head of state by six months, which does not mean that the incumbent president will not be able to run for re-election. At the same time, the election will not be extraordinary. In accordance with Article 81 of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, extraordinary elections are held if the post of president is vacant,” said Igor Karpenko.
Belarus has already held presidential elections before the term of the incumbent president expired, the head of the CEC noted. “In 2006, the election of the President of Belarus was held several months earlier. A number of countries, for example, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, have conducted elections before the expiration of the president's term of office. These elections were preceded by constitutional referendums in these countries. Holding elections in advance offers enough time to arrange a run-off election if none of the presidential candidates receives an absolute majority of votes in the first round. The second round of voting should be held within two weeks,” he emphasized.
“In 2025, the work to implement the five-year plan for the socio-economic development of the Republic of Belarus will be completed. Thus, it is necessary to analyze its outcomes and choose the country's further development strategy, the main directions of domestic and foreign policy. The head of state plays a key role in this matter, since he forms the government, ensures economic and political stability, continuity and interaction of government bodies. The inauguration of the newly elected president of the Republic of Belarus at the early 2025 will allow him to get involved in strategic planning at its initial stage,” explained Igor Karpenko.
According to him, holding the election of the president of the Republic of Belarus on 26 January 2025 seems justified, given the positive experience of conducting the 2022 referendum and the single voting day in 2024. “During this period, very few voters leave the country for vacations or stay at their dachas, thus they will not have to return to the place where their residence is registered to be able to cast a ballot. In turn, holding elections in spring and summer will distract local authorities from overseeing agricultural works, it is also a time when people go on vacation, apply to colleges and universities, when schools that usually host polling stations get ready for the new academic year,” added Igor Karpenko.
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