Actions of the authorities prevented independent candidates from taking part in the elections. The campaign was accompanied by repression against political opponents and intimidation of representatives of Belarusian civil society. 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.

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.

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. Poland continues to call upon the authorities of the Republic of Belarus 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.