Belarus' presidential election is set to conclude, with Alexander Lukashenko expected to win, continuing his 30-year rule. His authoritarian regime has led to widespread repression, including the imprisonment of political opponents and a crackdown on dissent following the controversial 2020 election. The EU has imposed sanctions on Belarus, and human rights activists report around 1,300 political prisoners. Lukashenko's government maintains Soviet-style controls and has recently pardoned some political prisoners amid ongoing repression. The election atmosphere is marked by fear, with token challengers and a lack of genuine opposition.