2006 Belarusian presidential election

none yes Belarus 1995 presidential 2001 Belarusian presidential election 2001 2010 Belarusian presidential election 2010 19 March 2006 7,133,978 92.94% ( 9.08 pp) Alexander Lukashenko 2007 (cropped).jpg Alexander Lukashenko Independent politician 5,501,249 84.44% Alexander Milinkevich 03.JPG Alaksandar Milinkievič United Democratic Forces of Belarus 405,486 6.22% Belarus 2006 presidential election map.svg Results by region Lukashenko: #3cad3cff 60–65% #0f730fff 75–80% #005f00ff 80–85% President Alexander Lukashenko Alexander Lukashenko Independent politician Independent politician The Belarusian presidential election was held on 19 March 2006. President Alexander Lukashenko won his third term against three other candidates: unified democratic opposition candidate Alaksandar Milinkievič, Sergei Gaidukevich, and Alyaksandr Kazulin. Lukashenko had been in office since 1994. He consolidated his power and abolished presidential term limits in a 2004 referendum. The United States and the European Union criticized him for a poor human rights record and authoritarian rule. While Russia and Belarus had formally established the Union State in 1999, the relationship had experienced tensions due to difficulties in implementing full integration. The Orange Revolution in Ukraine and the Rose Revolution in Georgia prompted Russia to back Lukashenko's re-election. The Central Election Commission of Belarus announced the results on 23 March, claiming Lukashenko won with 84.4% of the vote.Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p262 978-3-8329-5609-7 The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe concluded that the election "failed to meet OSCE commitments for democratic elections".OSCE 2006 3 The day after the election, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Lukashenko on his win, while the EU and the US did not recognize the results and called for a new election. The opposition accused the government of election fraud and called for mass protests. Known as the "Jeans Revolution", the protests were dispersed by police. The European Union and the United States sanctioned high-ranking members of the Belarusian government, including Lukashenko. Background Domestic Alexander Lukashenko became Belarus's first president in 1994. Two years later, a conflict with the Belarusian Parliament led to a referendum in 1996 that expanded presidential power. He then won reelection in 2001, officially receiving 77.39% of the vote. In 2004, a referendum abolished term limits for the presidency, allowing him to run in 2006. Lukashenko consolidated his power during the second term. In 2001, presidential defamation was criminalized.Белоруссия: 1994-2006 http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/russian/in_depth/2006/belarus/newsid_4810000/4810062.stm BBC 26 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20060615223031/http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/russian/in_depth/2006/belarus/newsid_4810000/4810062.stm 15 June 2006 ru Belarus: 1994-2006 16 March 2006 A year later, the OSCE mission was expelledWines Michael Europe: Countries To Bar Belarus Leader http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/16/world/world-briefing-europe-countries-to-bar-belarus-leader.html The New York Times 26 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20150527210730/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/16/world/world-briefing-europe-countries-to-bar-belarus-leader.html 27 May 2015 16 November 2002 and a law was passed that prohibited foreigners to lead religious groups.Kishkovsky Sophia Europe: Belarus: New Law Restricts Religions http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/02/world/world-briefing-europe-belarus-new-law-restricts-religions.html The New York Times 26 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20150527202427/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/02/world/world-briefing-europe-belarus-new-law-restricts-religions.html 27 May 2015 2 November 2002 Journalist Veronika Cherkasova, who reported on arms sales to Iraq, was found dead in 2004.Judge cancels request for psychiatric examination of Veronika Cherkasova's son https://rsf.org/en/judge-cancels-request-psychiatric-examination-veronika-cherkasovas-son Reporters Without Borders 26 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20230424204118/https://rsf.org/en/judge-cancels-request-psychiatric-examination-veronika-cherkasovas-son 24 April 2023 11 March 2005 In 2005, discrediting the Belarusian state became a crime.Myers Steven Lee Europe: Belarus: Criminal Penalties For Political Action http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/22/world/world-briefing-europe-belarus-criminal-penalties-for-political-action.html The New York Times 26 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20150529191539/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/22/world/world-briefing-europe-belarus-criminal-penalties-for-political-action.html 29 May 2015 22 December 2005 Between 2003 and 2005, the Belarusian government closed the European Humanities University, the Belarusian Humanities Lyceum,European Parliament resolution on the situation in Belarus https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52004IP0011&qid=1750969344416 26 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250626204800/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52004IP0011&qid=1750969344416 26 June 2025 9 June 2005 the independent pollster IISEPS,Silitski Vitlai Belarus: Learning From Defeat Journal of Democracy October 2006 17 4 140 10.1353/jod.2006.0073 https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/belarus-learning-from-defeat/ 26 June 2025 subscription and 157 NGOs.OSCE 2006 5 In 2005, it passed legislation that imposed stricter requirements for NGO funding and made it harder for unregistered ones to function.Manaev 2006 256 The total number of NGOs did not change between 2003 and 2007, but the restrictions affected civil society, as only 10% of NGOs were involved in pro-democracy activities.Laputska Veronica The condition of NGOs and civil society in Belarus http://aei.pitt.edu/90422/1/PB2017_civil_society_Belarus2.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20180422154606/http://aei.pitt.edu/90422/1/PB2017_civil_society_Belarus2.pdf 22 April 2018Belarusian Society '2007 Hopes, Illusions, Perspectives 2007 East European Democratic Centre 9788391665855 15 https://books.google.com/books?id=JAghAQAAMAAJ&q=%22Civic+society+opinion+polls+suggest+that+just%22 26 June 2025 Prior to the election, Belarusian wages and pensions rose, driven by annual economic growth of 8% to 11% between 2001 and 2005.Ioffe Grigory Grigory Ioffe Unfinished Nation-Building in Belarus and the 2006 Presidential Election Eurasian Geography and Economics 2007 48 1 41 10.2747/1538-7216.48.1.37 http://gioffe.asp.radford.edu/images/pubpdfs/unfinished.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20170809213250/http://gioffe.asp.radford.edu/images/pubpdfs/unfinished.pdf dead 2017-08-09 2026-03-25 International Belarusian relations with the West gradually worsened after Alexander Lukashenko's election as President in 1994,Resolution on freedom of opinion in Albania and Belarus https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A51996IP0607&qid=1750834479672 European Parliament 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250627081114/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A51996IP0607&qid=1750834479672 27 June 2025 10 June 1996 and deteriorated further following the 1996 referendum. This referendum expanded presidential powers and established a new Parliament that was not recognized by the EU or the USA.Resolution on the situation in Belarus https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A51996IP1347&qid=1750834479672 European Parliament 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250627080959/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A51996IP1347&qid=1750834479672 27 June 2025 20 January 1997Belarus Democracy Act of 2004. 22 USC 5811 note https://www.congress.gov/108/plaws/publ347/PLAW-108publ347.pdf United States Congress 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20151104231343/https://www.congress.gov/108/plaws/publ347/PLAW-108publ347.pdf 4 November 2015 20 October 2004 The presidential elections of 2001 were deemed neither free nor fair by the OSCE.Presidential Election, 9 September 2001 4 October 2001 https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/belarus/111402 OSCE 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20200220141254/https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/belarus/111402 20 February 2020 The American invasion of Iraq further worsened relations, as Lukashenko supported that country. A top aide to Saddam Hussein was reportedly found in possession of a Belarusian passport,AFTER THE WAR: DETAINEES; Hussein's Top Aide Got Belarus sian Passports, U.S. Officials Say http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/25/world/after-war-detainees-hussein-s-top-aide-got-belarussian-passports-us-officials.html The New York Times 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20110729204933/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/25/world/after-war-detainees-hussein-s-top-aide-got-belarussian-passports-us-officials.html 29 July 2011 25 June 2003 and American leadership repeatedly accused Belarus of supplying weapons to Iraq.Wolosky Lee S. Lenzi Mard D. An unreliable ally : Pressure Putin on terrorism https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/27/opinion/IHT-an-unreliable-ally-pressure-putin-on-terrorism.html The New York Times 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20221127042610/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/27/opinion/IHT-an-unreliable-ally-pressure-putin-on-terrorism.html 27 November 2022 27 August 2003Lipton Eric Shane Scott U.S. Report Says Hussein Bought Arms With Ease https://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/08/politics/us-report-says-hussein-bought-arms-with-ease.html The New York Times 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20210126022236/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/08/politics/us-report-says-hussein-bought-arms-with-ease.html 26 January 2021 8 October 2004 In 2004, Congress passed an Act aimed at promoting democracy and civil society in Belarus. The following year, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called Belarus an "outpost of tyranny" and later met with Belarusian opposition leaders.At confirmation hearings, Rice pledges to mend ties https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/18/world/americas/at-confirmation-hearings-rice-pledges-to-mend-ties.html The New York Times 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20221202022029/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/18/world/americas/at-confirmation-hearings-rice-pledges-to-mend-ties.html 2 December 2022 18 January 2005NATO and Rice Use Carrot and Stick With Former Soviet States https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/21/international/europe/nato-and-rice-use-carrot-and-stick-with-former-soviet.html The New York Times https://web.archive.org/web/20180913181440/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/21/international/europe/nato-and-rice-use-carrot-and-stick-with-former-soviet.html 13 September 2018 21 April 2005 The expansion of the EU led to a common border with Belarus and the adoption of the European Neighbourhood Policy. New EU member countries, mainly Poland and Lithuania, advocated for more pressure on Lukashenko's government.Lithuanian leader faults EU over new gas pipeline https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/27/world/europe/lithuanian-leader-faults-eu-over-new-gas-pipeline.html The New York Times https://web.archive.org/web/20230128123134/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/27/world/europe/lithuanian-leader-faults-eu-over-new-gas-pipeline.html 28 January 2023 27 October 2005 In 2004, the EU introduced sanctions against six individuals for inhibiting civil rightsCouncil Common Position 2004/848/CFSP of 13 December 2004 amending Common Position 2004/661/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against certain officials of Belarus https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32004E0848 Council of the European Union 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20230130134835/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32004E0848 30 January 2023 13 December 2004 and awarded the Sakharov Prize to the Belarusian Association of Journalists in December.European Parliament resolution on the situation in Belarus prior to the presidential elections on 19 March 2006 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52006IP0066&qid=1750834479672 European Parliament 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250627084215/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52006IP0066&qid=1750834479672 27 June 2025 29 November 2006 In 2005, Poland and Belarus had a diplomatic dispute, with Poland accusing Belarus of repressing its Polish minority and Lukashenko accusing Poland of attempting to stage a revolution.Poland recalls envoy to protest Belarus raid https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/29/world/europe/poland-recalls-envoy-to-protest-belarus-raid.html The New York Times 29 July 2005 27 June 2025 The early 2000s saw the Orange Revolution in Ukraine and the Rose Revolution in Georgia. In 2002, Gene Sharp said that such a revolution was "somewhat possible" in Belarus.Wallis David THE WAY WE LIVE NOW: 11-24-02: QUESTIONS FOR GENE SHARP; Give Peace a Chance http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/24/magazine/the-way-we-live-now-11-24-02-questions-for-gene-sharp-give-peace-a-chance.html The New York Times 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20150527212905/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/24/magazine/the-way-we-live-now-11-24-02-questions-for-gene-sharp-give-peace-a-chance.html 27 May 2015 24 November 2002 In 2004, the Polish President said that bringing democracy to Belarus was a European task,Dempsey Judy Take flexible stance, Polish leader urges : A plea from a close friend of U.S. The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/02/news/take-flexible-stance-polish-leader-urges-a-plea-from-a-close-friend-of.html 27 June 2025 2 September 2004 and former Czech President Václav Havel called Belarus "The Last Totalitarian Country in Europe" and urged democratization.The Last Totalitarian Country in Europe https://www.forum2000.cz/en/the-last-totalitarian-country-in-europe Forum 2000 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20200926155805/https://www.forum2000.cz/en/the-last-totalitarian-country-in-europe 26 September 2020 August 2005 Lukashenko claimed that the West was plotting a similar color revolution against him.In Belarus, Battle Lines Are Drawn but Revolution Is Still a Tough Sell https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-sep-25-fg-belarus25-story.html Los Angeles Times 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20210505172647/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-sep-25-fg-belarus25-story.html 5 May 2021 25 September 2005 No amount of money will be able to topple the existing authorities in Belarus... I want those who carry this money in sacks and suitcases through embassies to Belarus to hear this message Belarus and Russia formed the Union State in 1999. While initially both sides sought closer cooperation, the relationship worsened, with failures to adopt a common currency, military, or an anthem.Myers Steven Lee Hail, Hail to a Dysfunctional Union of Former Soviets The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/01/world/hail-hail-to-a-dysfunctional-union-of-former-soviets.html 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20180105001909/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/01/world/hail-hail-to-a-dysfunctional-union-of-former-soviets.html 5 January 2018 1 June 2003 In 2002, Lukashenko expelled Russian politician Boris Nemtsov from Belarus.World Briefing: Europe https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/24/international/europe/world-briefing-europe.html The New York Times 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250627082813/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/24/international/europe/world-briefing-europe.html 27 June 2025 24 October 2002 In 2004, Russia and Belarus had a gas dispute,Europe: Russia: Gas Shipments Resume The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/20/business/world-business-briefing-europe-russia-gas-shipments-resume.html 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20150528052021/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/20/business/world-business-briefing-europe-russia-gas-shipments-resume.html 28 May 2015 20 February 2004 and in the same year, Lukashenko introduced a 75% quota for Belarusian music on radio.Обязаловка? Нет, поддержка! https://www.sb.by/articles/obyazalovka-net-podderzhka.html Belarus Today 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20200908002934/https://www.sb.by/articles/obyazalovka-net-podderzhka.html 8 September 2020 ru 18 November 2004 Obligation? No, support! In 2005, Russia criticized Belarus for human rights abuses.Europe: Russia: Rights Body Criticizes Belarus The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/24/world/world-briefing-europe-russia-rights-body-criticizes-belarus.html 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20150529192657/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/24/world/world-briefing-europe-russia-rights-body-criticizes-belarus.html 29 May 2015 24 June 2005 Nevertheless, the threat of a revolution similar to Ukraine's led Russia to strongly back Lukashenko in the election,Wilson Andrew Belarus The Last European Dictatorship 3 January 2012 Yale University Press 9780300177589 https://books.google.com/books?id=_qvLhvGNx3wC&dq=%22Lukashenka+sold+himself+to+the+Kremlin+as+both+a+bulwark+against+the+fear+the+Kremlin+had+sold+itself+of+US-inspired+colour%22&pg=PP183 27 June 2025 the conduct of which was announced by the Belarusian parliament just one day after a meeting between Putin and Lukashenko.President Vladimir Putin met with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/34671 Kremlin 27 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20241122222603/http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/34671 22 November 2024 15 December 2005 Electoral system The President of Belarus was elected for a five-year term. Since 2004, there had been no term limits for the Presidency. Candidates had to be natural-born citizens, at least 35 years old, and have lived in Belarus for at least 10 years preceding the election.Конституция Республики Беларусь. Текст правового акта с изменениями и дополнениями по состоянию на 5 декабря 2007 года http://www.levonevski.net/pravo/razdelb/text1064/page2.html levonevski.net https://web.archive.org/web/20220617151920/http://www.levonevski.net/pravo/razdelb/text1064/page2.html 17 June 2022 ru Constitution of the nRepublic of Belarus. Text of the legal act with amendments and additions as of December 5, 2007" Presidential elections used a two-round system. A candidate won in the first round if they received an absolute majority. If no candidate won, a second round was held between the two leading candidates. Voter turnout had to be at least 50% for the election to be valid. Elections were overseen by the Central Election Commission of Belarus (CEC). To be registered, a candidate had to form an initiative group of at least 100 members to collect 100,000 signatures, which were submitted for verification.Избирательный кодекс Республики Беларусь (с учетом изменений по состоянию на 4 июля 2000 г.) http://levonevski.net/pravo/kodeksy/ik/015.html levonevski.net https://web.archive.org/web/20050831200644/http://levonevski.net/pravo/kodeksy/ik/015.html 31 August 2005 ru Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus (with amendments as of July 4, 2000) The House of Representatives of Belarus set the election date. The date had to be declared at least five months before the expiration of the current term, and the election itself had to be conducted at least two months prior to the expiration. In the 2006 Presidential election, the date was declared nine months in advance and the election was held six months before the term ended. The presidential election in 2006 followed this timeline: + 16 December 2005 The House of Representatives officially announced the election dateПостановление Палаты представителей Национального собрания Республики Беларусь от 16.12.2005 № 310-П3/III "О назначении выборов Президента Республики Беларусь" http://levonevski.net/pravo/norm2013/num34/d34867.html levonevski.net https://web.archive.org/web/20140911055424/http://levonevski.net/pravo/norm2013/num34/d34867.html 11 September 2014 ru 16 December 2005 Resolution of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus dated 16.12.2005 No. 310-P3/III 'On the Appointment of Elections for the President of the Republic of Belarus' 27 December 2005 Registration of initiative groups by the CECСообщение Центральной комиссии Республики Беларусь по выборами проведению республиканских референдумов https://rec.gov.by/uploads/folderForLinks/archive-elections-prb2006-soob3.pdf rec.gov.by Central Election Commission of Belarus 22 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20210506110824/https://rec.gov.by/uploads/folderForLinks/archive-elections-prb2006-soob3.pdf 6 May 2021 ru Statement from the Central Commission of the Republic of Belarus on Elections and the Conduct of Republican Referendums 17 February 2006 Registration of candidates by the CECСообщение Центральной комиссии Республики Беларусь по выборами проведению республиканских референдумов https://rec.gov.by/uploads/folderForLinks/archive-elections-prb2006-soob10.pdf rec.gov.by Central Election Commission of Belarus 22 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20210506110833/https://rec.gov.by/uploads/folderForLinks/archive-elections-prb2006-soob10.pdf 6 May 2021 ru Statement from the Central Commission of the Republic of Belarus on Elections and the Conduct of Republican Referendums 19 March 2006 Election Day 23 March 2006 The CEC declared Alexander Lukashenko as the elected PresidentСообщение Центральной комиссии Республики Беларусь по выборами проведению республиканских референдумов https://rec.gov.by/uploads/folderForLinks/archive-elections-prb2006-soob13.pdf rec.gov.by Central Election Commission of Belarus 22 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20210506164427/https://rec.gov.by/uploads/folderForLinks/archive-elections-prb2006-soob13.pdf 6 May 2021 ru 23 March 2006 Communication from the Central Commission of the Republic of Belarus for Elections and Holding Republican Referendums 8 April 2006 Inauguration DayТоржественная церемония инаугурации Президента Республики Беларусь https://president.gov.by/ru/events/tseremonija-vstuplenija-v-dolzhnost-prezidenta-respubliki-belarus-aleksandra-lukashenko-sostojalas-vo-dvortse-2424 president.gov.by President of Belarus 22 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20240410184805/https://president.gov.by/ru/events/tseremonija-vstuplenija-v-dolzhnost-prezidenta-respubliki-belarus-aleksandra-lukashenko-sostojalas-vo-dvortse-2424 10 April 2024 ru 8 April 2006 Solemn ceremony inauguration of the President of the Republic of Belarus Candidates On 1–2 October 2005, Alaksandar Milinkievič was chosen as the unified candidate of the democratic opposition, receiving more votes than Anatoly Lebedko at the National Congress of Democratic Forces.Manaev 2006 188 On 17 February 2006, the Central Election Commission approved the following list of candidates from the eight whose initiative groups were registered:Итоговые сведения о количестве избирателей, поставивших подписи в подписных листах о выдвижении кандидатов в Президенты Республики Беларусь, принятых территориальными комиссиями https://rec.gov.by/uploads/folderForLinks/archive-elections-prb2006-itog1.pdf Central Election Commission of Belarus 26 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20210506110829/https://rec.gov.by/uploads/folderForLinks/archive-elections-prb2006-itog1.pdf 6 May 2021 ru Final information on the number of voters who signed signature sheets for the nomination of candidates for President of the Republic of Belarus, accepted by territorial commissions + Candidate Party Position Signatures Alexander Lukashenko Independent President of the Republic of Belarus 1,905,637 Alaksandar Milinkievič United Democratic Forces of BelarusLukashenko's rival tries to calm Russia https://www.politico.eu/article/lukashenkos-rival-tries-to-calm-russia/ Politico 1 February 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20200925205310/https://www.politico.eu/article/lukashenkos-rival-tries-to-calm-russia/ 25 September 2020 Program manager, Local Development Support Fund 198,798 Sergei Gaidukevich Liberal Democratic Party of Belarus Deputy of the House of Representatives 150,504 Alyaksandr Kazulin Belarusian Social Democratic Party Currently unemployed 158,014 Former candidates Zianon Pazniak: withdrew on 26 JanuaryИнициативная группа Позняка не будет сдавать подписи в избирательные комиссии https://bdg.news/archive/iniciativnaya-gruppa-poznyaka-ne-budet-sdavat-podpisi-v-izbiratelnye-komissii Belorusskaya Delovaya Gazeta 26 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250626192624/https://bdg.news/archive/iniciativnaya-gruppa-poznyaka-ne-budet-sdavat-podpisi-v-izbiratelnye-komissii 26 June 2025 ru 27 January 2006 Paznyak's initiative group will not submit signatures to the election commissions Valeri Frolov: withdrew on 1 February in favor of KazulinФролов со своей командой вливается в предвыборные структуры Козулина https://bdg.news/archive/frolov-so-svoey-komandoy-vlivaetsya-v-predvybornye-struktury-kozulina Belorusskaya Delovaya Gazeta 26 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250626192225/https://bdg.news/archive/frolov-so-svoey-komandoy-vlivaetsya-v-predvybornye-struktury-kozulina 26 June 2025 ru 1 February 2006 Frolov and his team are joining Kazulin's election structures Alexander Voitovich: withdrew on 9 JanuaryБелоруссия: Александр Войтович отказался от участия в президентских выборах https://www.svoboda.org/a/105001.html svoboda.org RFE/RL 26 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250620171317/https://www.svoboda.org/a/105001.html 20 June 2025 ru Belarus: Alexander Voitovich refused to participate in the presidential elections 15 January 2006 Sergei Skrebets: withdrew in late January, supported KazulinКарней Игорь Соперников у Лукашенко стало еще меньше https://www.svoboda.org/a/129475.html RFE/RL 26 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250320154155/https://www.svoboda.org/a/129475.html 20 March 2025 ru 26 January 2006 "Lukashenko has even fewer rivals now Радио Свобода Campaign Alexander Lukashenko Alexander Lukashenko, based his campaign on the economic growth during his tenure. He promised to reduce bureaucracy and support private business.Государство для народа https://www.sb.by/articles/gosudarstvo-dlya-naroda.html Belarus Today https://web.archive.org/web/20250516025709/https://www.sb.by/articles/gosudarstvo-dlya-naroda.html 16 May 2025 ru 2 March 2006 The state for the people Regarding foreign policy, he said that the development of the Union State was a strategic goal and stated he remained open to political dialogue with other countries. Lukashenko claimed he was committed to Belarus's independence and sovereignty, and said he was not supported by the Kremlin.Manaev 2006 133 His campaign relied on state-owned media, receiving 95% of prime-time television coverage and 90% in state-owned newspapers.OSCE 2006 18-19 Alaksandar Milinkievič Alaksandar Milinkievič, a physicist by education, became involved in politics during the late Soviet Union, serving on the Grodno City Council. He was one of the leaders of Siamion Domash's 2001 campaign staff and,МИЛИНКЕВИЧ Александр Владимирович http://who.bdg.by/obj.php?&kod=498 who.bdg.by https://web.archive.org/web/20101206133838/http://who.bdg.by/obj.php?&kod=498 6 December 2010 ru Milinkievič Alaksandar Uładzimieravič despite being Belarusian and Orthodox, was accused by state media of being Polish and Catholic.Manaev 2006 475Белоруссия – форпост «старой» Европы? https://globalaffairs.ru/articles/belorussiya-forpost-staroj-evropy/ globalaffairs.ru 28 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20200923102431/https://globalaffairs.ru/articles/belorussiya-forpost-staroj-evropy/ 23 September 2020 ru 10 March 2007 "Belarus – a stronghold of 'Old' Europe? He supproted liberal economic policies and the promotion of democratic values.Manaev 2006 109 Milinkievič was a pro-European candidate; during his campaign he met with then-President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.Manaev 2006 136,475 He did not support Belarus's accession to NATO.Manaev 2006 133 He did not believe he could officially win the election, and said his intention to "get people out into the street"In Belarus, expecting to lose, then win https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/24/world/europe/in-belarus-expecting-to-lose-then-win.html The New York Times 28 June 2025 24 February 2006 comparing his stance to that of the Polish Solidarity movement in 1980. Milinkievič viewed the election as an opportunity for open campaigning,Bringing Down Europe's Last Ex-Soviet Dictator https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/26/magazine/bringing-down-europes-last-exsoviet-dictator.html The New York Times 28 June 2025 26 February 2006 for instance, it marked the first time in five years that the opposition received any television airtime.Manaev 2006 283 He also described his mission as "God-given".Manaev 2006 189 Sergei Gaidukevich Sergei Gaidukevich, a military veteran and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Belarus, won a seat in parliament in the 2000 elections and had previously run in the 2001 presidential election.Manaev 2006 474 He was the only candidate with whom Lukashenko was willing to shake hands.Завершена регистрация кандидатов на пост президента Белоруссии https://www.svoboda.org/a/132025.html RFE/RL https://web.archive.org/web/20241107123052/https://www.svoboda.org/a/132025.html 7 November 2024 ru 17 February 2006 The registration of candidates for the presidency of Belarus has been completed Радио Свобода Gaidukevich did not actively campaign, and the signatures for his nomination were collected with state assistance.Кандидат в президенты Белоруссии Александр Козулин заявил, что выборы будут сфальсифицированы https://www.svoboda.org/a/134347.html RFE/RL https://web.archive.org/web/20210927082105/https://www.svoboda.org/a/134347.html 27 September 2021 ru 13 March 2006 Belarusian presidential candidate Alyaksandr Kazulin stated that the elections would be falsified Радио Свобода Regarding potential protests on Election Day, he said that protests were for "losers", and he would emerge as a victor.Карней Игорь Белорусская милиция будет «контролировать» оппозицию без огнестрельного оружия https://www.svoboda.org/a/134830.html RFE/RL 28 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20211021095508/https://www.svoboda.org/a/134830.html 21 October 2021 ru 17 March 2006 Belarusian police will 'control' the opposition without firearms Радио Свобода Alyaksandr Kazulin Alyaksandr Kazulin, a former rector of Belarusian State University, faced criticism from Lukashenko in 2001 for students' poor voting records and was subsequently removed in 2003 on corruption charges.Manaev 2006 189 Kazulin criticized Lukashenko for authoritarianism, an inefficient economic system, and corruption. He was more aligned with Russia than with the West and accused Lukashenko of exploiting Russian "brotherly feelings".Текст выступления Александра Козулина, кандидата в Президенты Республики Беларусь, записанного 03.03.2006 г. для радиоэфира 06 марта 2006 г. https://gazetaby.com/post/tekst-vystupleniya-aleksandra-kozulina-kandidata-v-prezidenty-respubliki-belarus-zapisannogo-030320/586/ gazetaby.com ru 6 March 2006 Text of the speech by Alyaksandr Kazulin, candidate for President of the Republic of Belarus, recorded on March 3, 2006, for radio broadcast on March 6, 2006Manaev 2006 135–136 Kazulin attacked the high-ranking positions achieved by Lukashenko's sons. He called Lukashenko a "thug" and reportedly broke his portrait while in police custody.Manaev 2006 191 Events thumb|300px|right|Yearly mentions of Belarus in The New York Times, the 2006 Presidential elections received unprecedented amount of international attentionBelskaya Alina Marples David R. Forbrig Joerg Demes Pavol Prospects for Democracy in Belarus 2006 German Marshall Fund of the United States 9788096948727 https://books.google.com/books?id=K2RxGQAACAAJ International Responses to the Presidential Elections in Belarus 147 On 31 January, Milinkievič met with European leaders in Brussels, who warned Lukashenko to conduct free and fair elections.Europe: Belarus: European Warning On Presidential Vote https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/31/world/world-briefing-europe-belarus-european-warning-on-presidential-vote.html The New York Times 28 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250628122458/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/31/world/world-briefing-europe-belarus-european-warning-on-presidential-vote.html 28 June 2025 On 8 February, Belarus accused Poland of espionage. Poland denied the accusation, saying it was part of Lukashenko's election campaign.NATO tops agenda for Poland-U.S.summit https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/08/world/europe/nato-tops-agenda-for-polandussummit.html?searchResultPosition=42 The New York Times 28 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250628122627/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/08/world/europe/nato-tops-agenda-for-polandussummit.html?searchResultPosition=42 28 June 2025 8 February 2006 On 22 February, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the OSCE, claiming they had already predetermined not to declare the Belarusian election free and fair.Newsline - February 23, 2006 https://www.rferl.org/a/1143580.html RFE/RL 28 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20210124073707/https://www.rferl.org/a/1143580.html 24 January 2021 23 February 2006 On 24 February, a State Department representative urged the Belarusian government not to use force and expressed concern over the arrest of activists.Свабода Радыё Прадстаўнік Дзярждэпартамэнту заклікае беларускія ўлады не ўжываць сілы https://www.svaboda.org/a/767152.html RFE/RL https://web.archive.org/web/20200503002544/https://www.svaboda.org/a/767152.html 3 May 2020 be 24 February 2006 State Department representative urges Belarusian authorities not to use force Радыё Свабода On 26 February, Belarusian state media ran a story alleging that the KGB had discovered Gallup exit polls showing Milinkievič as the victor. Baltic Gallup responded that the polls were fake.Свабода Радыё БТ абвінаваціла апазыцыю ў намеры сфальшаваць вынікі экзыт-полаў https://www.svaboda.org/a/767227.html RFE/RL 28 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20200503001910/https://www.svaboda.org/a/767227.html 3 May 2020 be 27 February 2006 BT accused the opposition of intending to falsify exit poll results Радыё Свабода On 1 March, the KGB head claimed that the opposition planned to seize government buildings and stage a false flag terrorist attack.Свабода Радыё КДБ раскрыў сцэнар "захопу будынкаў органаў улады" https://www.svaboda.org/a/767320.html RFE/RL 28 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20200503001415/https://www.svaboda.org/a/767320.html 3 May 2020 be The KGB uncovered a scenario for 'seizing government buildings Радыё Свабода 7 December 2007 On 2 March, Kazulin was briefly arrested and beaten after attempting to enter the All-Belarusian People's Assembly meeting.Candidate in Belarus is arrested https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/02/world/europe/candidate-in-belarus-is-arrested.html The New York Times 28 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20230307150128/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/02/world/europe/candidate-in-belarus-is-arrested.html 7 March 2023 2 March 2006 On 9 March, Belarusian Popular Front leader Vincuk Viačorka was arrested and sentenced to 15 days in prison for participating in an unsanctioned rally.Свабода Радыё Вінцук Вячорка і іншыя актывісты штабу Мілінкевіча асуджаныя на 15 сутак арышту https://www.svaboda.org/a/767614.html RFE/RL 28 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20200502235418/https://www.svaboda.org/a/767614.html 2 May 2020 be 9 March 2006 Vincuk Viačorka and other activists from Milinkievič's campaign staff have been sentenced to 15 days of arrest Радыё Свабода On 16 March, the head of the KGB announced that the opposition was planning a coup, alleging that they intended to poison Minsk's water supply. He threatened the death penalty for those involved in "terrorism". By this time, 60 people had already been jailed.Свабода Радыё Старшыня КДБ палохае арганізатараў акцыі 19 сакавіка сьмяротнай карай https://www.svaboda.org/a/767913.html RFE/RL 28 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20200502233648/https://www.svaboda.org/a/767913.html 2 May 2020 be 16 March 2006 The KGB chairman is threatening the organizers of the March 19 action with the death penalty Радыё Свабода Belarus Arrests Dozens Days Before Disputed Election https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/16/international/europe/belarus-arrests-dozens-days-before-disputed-election.html The New York Times 28 June 2025 16 March 2006 On 17 March, the White House published a report calling Belarus a dictatorship bordering the EU and NATO and accused Lukashenko of corruption and enrichment via the arms trade. Lukashenko dismissed the report and labeled George W. Bush "terrorist No. 1".Vote in Belarus Brings Fears and Warnings https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/18/international/europe/vote-in-belarus-brings-fears-and-warnings.html The New York Times 28 June 2025 18 March 2006Thousands in Belarus Protest President's Expected Re-election https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/19/international/europe/thousands-in-belarus-protest-presidents-expected.html The New York Times 28 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20200103160649/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/19/international/europe/thousands-in-belarus-protest-presidents-expected.html 3 January 2020 19 March 2006 Opinion polling Initially, when no specific opposition candidates were named, Lukashenko was polled against a hypothetical opposition leader. The results of these IISEPI polls are as follows:Ioffe Grigory Understanding Belarus and how western foreign policy misses the mark 25 February 2008 Rowman & Littlefield 9780742555587 214–215 + If presidential elections were tomorrow, whom would you vote for? 10.2001 04.2002 09.2002 12.2002 03.2003 09.2003 06.2004 11.2004 03.2005 05.2005 09.2005 Lukashenko 46.0 30.9 27.0 30.5 26.2 31.7 34.2 47.7 46.4 41.7 47.3Other candidate 11.8 8.3 6.5 5.0 2.6 4.0 3.0 1.5 1.4 2.0 3.5 Despite its official closure in April 2005,20 лет борьбы за свободную мысль: хронология репрессий против НИСЭПИ http://www.iiseps.org/?page_id=925 www.iiseps.org 29 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20160408165322/http://www.iiseps.org/?page_id=925 8 April 2016 ru 20 Years of Struggle for Free Thought: Chronology of Repressions Against IISEPI IISEPI continued to conduct polls. + Pollster Date Alexander Lukashenko Alaksandar Milinkievič Sergei Gaidukevich Alyaksandr Kazulin IISEPI 16–29 April 63.1 18.8 5.2 7.3 IISEPI 27 March - 6 April 64.9 21.4 2.2 5.0 Official results 19 March 84.4 6.2 3.5 2.3 VCIOM Early March 60 11 5 IISEPI 10–20 February 64.7 18.3 5.0 2.2 Baltic GallupПо данным социологической службы "Балтик Гэллап", рейтинг узнаваемости Милинкевича составляет 79,2 процента https://news.tut.by/elections/63220.html Tut.by https://web.archive.org/web/20210118115748/https://news.tut.by/elections/63220.html 18 January 2021 ru 24 January 2006 According to the sociological service "Baltic Gallup," Milinkievič's recognition rating is 79.2 percent. TUT.BY Early January 54.6 16.8 2.9 + Voter demographicsManaev 2006 110-111 Demographic subgroup Lukashenko Milinkievič/Kazulin Gaidukevich % of total vote Total vote 67.9 28.2 3.9 100 Gender Men 60.0 33.9 4.0 45.4 Women 72.5 23.7 3.8 54.6 Age 18–30 years old 47.4 50.0 2.6 22.1 30–50 years old 60.0 33.9 6.1 39.2 51 and older 84.0 13.5 2.5 38.7Educational attainment Less than general secondary 89.0 9.0 2.0 25.0 General secondary 64.0 30.2 5.8 37.0 Vocational or higher 55.2 41.3 3.5 38.0Employment Private 40.0 55.2 4.8 18.1 Public 67.2 27.8 4.9 41.5 Student 49.1 49.8 1.1 6.4 Retiree 88.0 9.2 2.8 28.2 Unemployed 46.9 49.4 3.8 5.8 Region City of Minsk 49.7 46.3 4.0 16.6 Minsk 62.9 29.2 8.0 15.3 Brest 74.4 22.2 3.4 14.6 Grodno 71.4 27.6 1.1 12.0 Vitebsk 58.9 37.6 3.6 13.8 Mogilev 78.9 20.5 0.6 12.1 Gomel 85.4 9.3 5.3 15.6 Area type Capital 49.7 46.3 4.0 16.6 Oblast center 65.1 32.8 2.1 17.0 >50,000 pop. 67.7 26.9 5.5 18.1 <50,000 pop. 73.3 23.0 3.7 17.6 Rural 75.8 20.1 4.1 30.7 Results Monitoring The OSCE mission of 546 observers said the election did not meet democratic standards.OSCE 2006 3 It criticized early voting, through which 31% of eligible voters cast their ballots,OSCE 2006 21 and limited access to result tabulation,OSCE 2006 24 the exclusion of opposition members from electoral commissions, and their sparse representation among observers.OSCE 2006 9,20 In response, the Central Election Commission of Belarus claimed that the alleged abuses were either unverified or conducted in accordance with Belarusian law, which it asserted met international standards.Замечания по промежуточному отчету №1 миссии по наблюдению за выборами БДИПЧ ОБСЕ https://rec.gov.by/uploads/folderForLinks/archive-elections-prb2006-osce1.pdf Central Election Commission of Belarus https://web.archive.org/web/20210506090034/https://rec.gov.by/uploads/folderForLinks/archive-elections-prb2006-osce1.pdf 6 May 2021 ru Comments on the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission Interim Report No. 1 The 467-member delegation from the Commonwealth of Independent States said the election was open and transparent.Заявление международных наблюдателей от Содружества Независимых Государств по результатам наблюдения за подготовкой и проведением выборов Президента Республики Беларусь от 19 марта 2006 года https://eccis.org/page/5624/zaavlenie-mezdunarodnyh-nabludatelej-ot-sodruzestva-nezavisimyh-gosudarstv-po-rezultatam-nabludenia-za-podgotovkoj-i-provedeniem-vyborov-prezidenta-respubliki-belarus-ot-19-marta-2006-goda 25 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250625195933/https://eccis.org/page/5624/zaavlenie-mezdunarodnyh-nabludatelej-ot-sodruzestva-nezavisimyh-gosudarstv-po-rezultatam-nabludenia-za-podgotovkoj-i-provedeniem-vyborov-prezidenta-respubliki-belarus-ot-19-marta-2006-goda 25 June 2025 ru Международные наблюдатели от Содружества Независимых Государств: ... признают прошедшие президентские выборы свободными, открытыми и транспарентными Statement by International Observers from the Commonwealth of Independent States on the results of observing the preparation and conduct of the Presidential elections in the Republic of Belarus on March 19, 2006 Electoral results Official results, announced on 23 March, showed Lukashenko winning in a landslide. Alexander Lukashenko Independent 5501249 Alaksandar Milinkievič United Democratic Forces of Belarus 405486 Sergei Gaidukevich Liberal Democratic Party 230664 Alyaksandr Kazulin Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Assembly) 147402 Against all 230320 115532 7133978 Nohlen & Stöver Results by region RegionLukashenkoMilinkievičGaidukevichKazulin Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes % Brest 802,971 82.6% 61,581 6.3% 18,450 1.9% 20,560 2.1% Vitebsk 724,772 83.1% 39,002 4.5% 46,413 5.3% 18,941 2.2% Gomel 959,641 90.3% 37,004 3.5% 34,942 3.3% 11,862 1.1% Grodno 651,523 83.8% 49,384 6.4% 16,501 2.1% 14,472 1.9% Minsk 878,763 83.5% 76,906 7.3% 19,889 1.9% 25,758 2.4% Mogilev 716,697 88.5% 32,231 4.0% 39,600 4.9% 13,300 1.6% City of Minsk 766,882 70.8% 109,378 10.1% 54,869 5.1% 42,509 3.9% TotalPercentages do not exclude invalid or blank votes. 5,501,249 83.0% 405,486 6.1% 230,664 3.5% 147,402 2.2%Source: Central Election Commission of Belarus https://rec.gov.by/uploads/folderForLinks/archive-elections-prb2006-sved1.pdf 1 July 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20210506153226/https://rec.gov.by/uploads/folderForLinks/archive-elections-prb2006-sved1.pdf 6 May 2021 Reactions Domestic Jeans Revolution thumb|300px|right|Mass opposition protests in Minsk on March 19 Following the election, an organization with ties to the government released exit poll results claiming that Lukashenko secured over 80% of the vote. Milinkievič's campaign office said that he received 25.6% of the vote, compared to Lukashenko's 47%.В Минске начался митинг протеста https://www.dw.com/ru/%D0%B2-%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B5-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%87%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%81%D1%8F-v%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B3-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0/a-1938636 Deutsche Welle https://web.archive.org/web/20210524183810/https://www.dw.com/ru/%D0%B2-%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B5-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%87%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%81%D1%8F-%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B3-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0/a-1938636 24 May 2021 ru 19 March 2006 A protest rally began in Minsk Belarusian authorities said they would crush any protests following the election.http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,1938305,00.html?maca=en-rss-en-all-1124-rdf Opposition Accuses Lukashenko of Manipulating Belarus Vote 2006-03-19 Deutsche Welle Lukashenko declared victory and the defeat of the "revolution", stating that while he was unwilling to jail Milinkievič and Kazulin, he did not rule out the possibility.http://izvestia.ru/world/article3091257/ Izvestia 2006-03-21 ru:Александру Лукашенко стало тесно в Белоруссии ru dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070930224223/http://izvestia.ru/world/article3091257/ 2007-09-30 Protesting the election results, approximately ten thousand people gathered at October Square in Minsk.OSCE 2006 25EU Leaders Slam Belarus Leader But Are Split on Sanctions https://www.dw.com/en/eu-leaders-slam-belarus-leader-but-are-split-on-sanctions/a-1949080 Deutsche Welle https://web.archive.org/web/20210525002747/https://www.dw.com/en/eu-leaders-slam-belarus-leader-but-are-split-on-sanctions/a-1949080 25 May 2021 30 March 2006Protesters Charge Fraud in Belarus Presidential Vote https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/20/world/europe/protesters-charge-fraud-in-belarus-presidential-vote.html The New York Times https://web.archive.org/web/20180802130924/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/20/world/europe/protesters-charge-fraud-in-belarus-presidential-vote.html 2 August 2018 20 March 2006 They waved the Belarusian white-red-white flag, the flag of Europe, and flags of other nations such as Ukraine, Poland, and Russia.Митинг в Минске глазами корреспондента https://www.dw.com/ru/%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B3-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BE%D0%BA%D1%82%D1%8F%D0%B1%D1%80%D1%8C%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B9-%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%89%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B8-%D0%B2-%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B5-%D0%B3%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B8-%D0%BA%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B0/a-1938734 Deutsche Welle https://web.archive.org/web/20250630214325/https://www.dw.com/ru/%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B3-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BE%D0%BA%D1%82%D1%8F%D0%B1%D1%80%D1%8C%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B9-%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%89%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B8-%D0%B2-%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B5-%D0%B3%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B8-%D0%BA%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B0/a-1938734 30 June 2025 ru 19 March 2006 The rally in Minsk through the eyes of a correspondent Several hundred protesters remained at the square overnight and thousands were present each evening.U.S. Calls Belarus Vote for Leader Invalid https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/21/world/europe/us-calls-belarus-vote-for-leader-invalid.html The New York Times https://web.archive.org/web/20210214005301/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/21/world/europe/us-calls-belarus-vote-for-leader-invalid.html 14 February 2021 21 March 2006 The opposition planned a large protest for Saturday, which coincided with the anniversary of the establishment of the Belarusian People's Republic.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4830830.stm Belarus poll rallies 'must go on' 2006-03-21 BBC News The police dispersed the protests early on Friday, arresting hundreds.Belarus Police Storm Protest https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/23/international/europe/belarus-police-storm-protest.html The New York Times] 23 March 2006 Associated Press https://web.archive.org/web/20250630223812/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/23/international/europe/belarus-police-storm-protest.html 30 June 2025 On Saturday, 6,000 people gathered, but riot police blocked their access to the central square and arrested Kazulin,Belarus Police Deter Thousands of Protesters The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/26/world/europe/belarus-police-deter-thousands-of-protesters.html https://web.archive.org/web/20210214010423/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/26/world/europe/belarus-police-deter-thousands-of-protesters.html 14 February 2021 26 March 2006 who was sentenced to five and a half years in prison in July.Conviction of Belarusian Opposition Figure http://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/68965.htm State Department 1 July 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20090206040212/http://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/68965.htm 6 February 2009 14 July 2006 Jan Rybar, a reporter of the Czech daily Mlada fronta Dnes, was beaten at the opposition demonstration in Minsk. He speculated he had been attacked by agents of the Belarusian KGB.http://www.ctk.cz/english/services/english/index_view.php?id=178883 2006-03-20 Czech reporter beaten up at opposition demonstration in Minsk Czech News Agency dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060712095024/http://www.ctk.cz/english/services/english/index_view.php?id=178883 2006-07-12 Belarusian authorities arrested the former Polish ambassador to Belarus Mariusz Maszkiewicz and Polish journalist Weronika Samolinska.Belarus courts sentence protesters to jail https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/27/world/europe/belarus-courts-sentence-protesters-to-jail.html The New York Times https://web.archive.org/web/20250628200147/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/27/world/europe/belarus-courts-sentence-protesters-to-jail.html 28 June 2025 27 March 2006 In total, over 500 people were arrested during the protests.Belarus to charge defeated candidate https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/29/world/europe/belarus-to-charge-defeated-candidate.html The New York Times https://web.archive.org/web/20250630223304/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/29/world/europe/belarus-to-charge-defeated-candidate.html 30 June 2025 29 March 2006 Belarusian state television claimed that two of its reporters were beaten by protesters.http://mosnews.com/news/2006/03/27/minskopposition.shtml 2 Belarus State TV Journalists Badly Beaten by Opposition - NEWS - MOSNEWS.COM mosnews.com 15 January 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060512182513/http://mosnews.com/news/2006/03/27/minskopposition.shtml 12 May 2006 usurped The Belarusian Association of Journalists doubted the incident occurred, suggesting the reporters were at most hit with snowballs.A criminal case in connection with the fact of throwing snowballs at BT journalists is started http://baj.ru/2006/Mar/z250306e6.asp Belarusian Association of Journalists https://web.archive.org/web/20060503223448/http://baj.ru/2006/Mar/z250306e6.asp 3 May 2006 25 March 2006 Amidst the unrest, Lukashenko postponed his inauguration,Briefly: President postpones his inauguration date https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/28/world/africa/briefly-president-postpones-his-inauguration-date.html The New York Times https://web.archive.org/web/20230122135405/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/28/world/africa/briefly-president-postpones-his-inauguration-date.html 22 January 2023 28 March 2006 conducting it on 8 April in military uniform. He blamed the West for inciting the protests.Belarus Leader Takes Oath, Attacking the West https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/09/world/belarus-leader-takes-oath-attacking-the-west.html The New York Times Reuters 9 April 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20200812133947/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/09/world/belarus-leader-takes-oath-attacking-the-west.html 12 August 2020 He later claimed in November that his true vote count was over 90% and that he had falsified it down to 80% to appear more appealing to Europeans, but they did not appreciate his gesture.БелаПАН http://news.tut.by/77777.html TUT.BY | НОВОСТИ - Лукашенко: Последние выборы мы сфальсифицировали - Политика - 23.11.2006, 14:49 News.tut.by 2006-11-23 2011-02-14 2007-07-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20070711211220/http://news.tut.by/77777.html dead Western countries The report of the OSCE stated that the election failed to meet democratic standards.OSCE 2006 3 On 20 March, the State Department called for a new vote.White House Rejects Results Of Belarus' Vote https://www.rferl.org/a/1066910.html RFE/RL https://web.archive.org/web/20210414091537/https://www.rferl.org/a/1066910.html 14 April 2021 20 March 2006 In May, George W. Bush issued a proclamation restricting members of the Belarusian government from traveling to the US.Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Responsible for Policies or Actions That Threaten the Transition to Democracy in Belarus https://georgewbush-white https://web.archive.org/web/20210321042450/https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2006/05/text/20060515-6.html 21 March 2021 15 May 2006 In June, he introduced financial sanctions against 10 people, including Lukashenko, for undermining democratic processes.Blocking Property of Certain Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Belarus https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/9216/download?inline Federal Register https://web.archive.org/web/20230527065419/https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/9216/download?inline 27 May 2023 16 June 2006 On 6 April, the European Parliament adopted a resolution that condemned the "failed Presidential elections".European Parliament resolution on the situation in Belarus after the presidential elections of 19 March 2006 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52006IP0137 European Parliament https://web.archive.org/web/20250628194609/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52006IP0137 28 June 2025 6 April 2006 The Council of the European Union sanctioned 31 people, including Lukashenko.Council Common Position 2006/276/CFSP https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32006E0276 Council of the European Union https://web.archive.org/web/20250625140055/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32006E0276 25 June 2025 10 April 2006 In October, Milinkievič was awarded the Sakharov Prize, the EU's top human rights award.Belarus sian takes EU rights award http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6087198.stm 1 July 2025 BBC https://web.archive.org/web/20061106201358/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6087198.stm 6 November 2006 Czech President Václav Klaus decided not to congratulate the Belarusian President.Prezident nezašle blahopřání Lukašenkovi https://www.klaus.cz/clanky/1053 https://web.archive.org/web/20250628194227/https://www.klaus.cz/clanky/1053 28 June 2025 cs 21 March 2006 The President will not send congratulations to Lukashenko Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin called Lukashenko the day after the elections to congratulate him.President Vladimir Putin congratulated Alexander Lukashenko on his re-election as President of the Republic of Belarus http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/35242 28 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20241126074550/http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/35242 26 November 2024 20 March 2006 A few days later, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that the OSCE mission had played a provocative role and accused it of declaring elections illegitimate before the election day.Transcript of Remarks and Replies to Media Questions by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov Following Talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland Geir Haarde, Moscow, March 24, 2006 https://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/1692113/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation 28 June 2025 24 March 2006 Unfortunately, we again became witnesses of a situation where a monitoring mission led by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights even long before elections began to make statements that these elections would be illegitimate, and in a rather prejudiced manner, commented on the very course of the elections and their results, thus once again playing, I will say it bluntly, an instigatory role Pro-government media lauded the outcome as a defeat for "orange" political technologies."Оранжевые" технологии в Белоруссии применимы, но неэффективны https://ria.ru/20060321/44618306.html RIA Novosti https://web.archive.org/web/20240715164549/https://ria.ru/20060321/44618306.html 15 July 2024 ru 21 March 2006 'Orange' technologies are applicable in Belarus, but ineffective The liberal opposition condemned Lukashenko's actions, and organized a protest of about ten people which was dispersed.Несанкционированную акцию в поддержку белорусской оппозиции попытались провести сегодня возле здания Российского МИДа в Москве активисты движения МЫ и Гражданского фронта. http://echo.msk.ru/news/301875.html Echo of Moscow https://web.archive.org/web/20110709090223/http://echo.msk.ru/news/301875.html 9 July 2011 ru 26 March 2006 Russia said on 30 March that Belarus's gas prices were unacceptably lower than European ones.Russia Says Belarus Must Now Pay Market Price for Gas https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/30/world/europe/russia-says-belarus-must-now-pay-market-price-for-gas.html 1 July 2025 The New York Times 30 March 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20221125193308/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/30/world/europe/russia-says-belarus-must-now-pay-market-price-for-gas.html 25 November 2022 By 19 April, Belarus agreed to cede some control of the state natural gas monopoly, Beltransgaz.Today's Russian Newspapers https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/19/world/europe/19russiasumm.html 1 July 2025 The New York Times 19 April 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20250701181140/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/19/world/europe/19russiasumm.html 1 July 2025 Russia had sought this control since the early 1990s,Ельцин, Хасбулатов, Черномырдин https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/58890 1 July 2025 Kommersant 9 September 1993 https://web.archive.org/web/20250701181253/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/58890 1 July 2025 ru Yeltsin, Khasbulatov, Chernomyrdin nearly getting a similar deal in April 2002.Александр Лукашенко приехал за компенсацией https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/318175 1 July 2025 Kommersant 12 April 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20250701181207/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/318175 1 July 2025 Alexander Lukashenko came for compensation The formal agreement was signed in May 2007 and allowed Gazprom to acquire a 50% stake in the company by paying $2.5 billion from 2007 to 2010."Газпром" досрочно оплатил 12,5% акций "Белтрансгаза" https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/999843 1 July 2025 Kommersant 6 June 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20250701181424/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/999843 1 July 2025 ru Gazprom prematurely paid for a 12.5% stake in Beltransgaz See also Jeans Revolution A Lesson of Belarusian Notes References Bibliography Manaev Oleg Президентские выборы в Беларуси: от ограниченной демократии к неограниченному авторитаризму (1994 – 2006) 2006 Vilnius http://www.iiseps.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PresidentElection.pdf 16 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250614164435/http://www.iiseps.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PresidentElection.pdf 14 June 2025 ru Presidential Elections in Belarus: From Limited Democracy to Unlimited Authoritarianism (1994 – 2006) OSCE OSCE 7 June 2006 Republic of Belarus Presidential Election, 19 March 2001: OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission Report https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/4/c/19395.pdf osce.org 26 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20230629022033/https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/4/c/19395.pdf 29 June 2023 External links Central Election Commission of the Republic of Belarus https://web.archive.org/web/20201231095307/http://www.rec.gov.by/ 2020-12-31 Coverage of the election be ePolitics 2006: Online Campaigning in 2006 Presidential Election in Belarus Guardian editorial on plausibility of un-rigged Lukashenko landslide Category:Presidential elections in Belarus President Belarus