Divided opposition boosts Lukashenka's re-election bid
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Significance
The failure of opposition parties to agree a joint candidate -- and calls for an election boycott by some -- pave the way for President Alexander Lukashenko to win a fifth successive term.
Impacts
- For now, Lukashenka will remain beholden to Moscow as his main source of economic aid and political support.
- However, Belarus will increasingly court Chinese and South Asian investment to lessen reliance on Russia.
- Lukashenka's election campaign will stress need for continuity and highlight Belarus as a bastion of stability compared to Ukraine.