Lukashenko says there is no search for a successor to hand over power in Belarus

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Sunday, January 26, that he is not looking for a successor to hand over power.

"I'm not looking for this successor," BelTA quoted him as saying in its Telegram channel.

Lukashenko noted that he's not sure whether Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalia Kochanova and Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee Vladimir Kukharev are engaged in the issue of finding a successor, but suggested that they might be thinking about it.

According to the Belarusian leader, the issue will be considered after the presidential election in the country.

Constructive attitude: how presidential elections are held in Belarus

Election campaign goes smoothly despite Western pressure

Polling stations for the main voting in the presidential election in Belarus opened throughout the country at 8:00 on January 26. They will work until 20:00. Observers, including those from Western countries, are watching the process. They noted that the process is organized transparently. In addition, representatives of 70 foreign media are covering the voting process.

The voter turnout as of 18:00 amounted to 81.5%. The Central Election Commission of the Republic recognized the elections as valid.

The candidates for the presidential election in Belarus were incumbent leader Alexander Lukashenko, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Belarus Oleg Gaidukevich, MP Anna Kanopatskaya, leader of the Belarusian Communists Sergei Syrankov and leader of the Party of Labor and Justice Alexander Khizhnyak.