The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools, has made the following statement:

“The so-called local elections organised in Belarus on 25 February 2024 are nothing but a sham. Without freedoms of speech, assembly and association, without genuine opposition and independent media, and in the absence of democratic standards guiding the electoral process, they cannot be considered as free and fair.”

“I condemn the on-going repression by the Lukashenka regime against the Belarusian people and express deep concern for the fate of all political prisoners in Belarus. I convey my full support to their families and to all people affected by the crimes and actions of the Lukashenka regime.”

“The Congress remains committed to support the Belarusian democratic forces, and we look forward to joint activities within the framework of the Council of Europe Contact Group on co-operation with Representatives of Belarusian democratic forces and civil society. It is our hope that one day we can welcome a future democratic Belarus as a member of the Council of Europe.”