The 2020 Belarusian Presidential Election took place on August 9, 2020, to elect the President of Belarus. The incumbent president, Alexander Lukashenko, who had been in power since 1994, sought a sixth term amid widespread discontent and economic challenges. The election was marked by allegations of fraud and irregularities, leading to mass protests across the country. Many citizens believed the results were manipulated to favor Lukashenko, sparking a significant backlash and calls for democratic reforms. The situation drew international attention and condemnation regarding the treatment of protesters and the state of human rights in Belarus.