President Alexander Lukashenko has ruled Belarus with an iron fist in a political reign stretching 26 years and counting.
But on Sunday, the hardline former soldier faces his first serious political contest from a surprise challenger.
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the wife of a disqualified opposition candidate, has become the unlikely face of political reform in Belarus.
She’s helped inspire large crowds to defy government crackdowns while voicing their fury at the country's swelling economic crisis and handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite the support building behind Ms Tikhanovskaya, independent observers are doubtful she can ultimately win power in an election they believe is likely to be manipulated.
‘Europe’s Last Dictator’
A former farm manager, Mr Lukashenko won a landslide election in 1994 to become the first elected president of Belarus.
In the years since his rule has become increasingly authoritarian.
Allegations of human rights abuses and his ruthless suppression of political opponents eventually saw him dubbed “Europe’s last dictator” by American officials in the early 2000s.
"An authoritarian style of rule is characteristic of me, and I have always admitted it," Mr Lukashenko said in 2003.
“You need to control the country, and the main thing is not to ruin people's lives."
In recent years, his popularity has further waned as the country’s economy steadily declined.
Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko has been unapologetic about his authoritarian style. Source: AP
Germany's then-Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle called Mr Lukashenko a dictator in 2012 as the European Union weighed up further sanctions against Belarus.
"Whoever was shouting about dictatorship there ... when I heard that, I thought: it’s better to be a dictator than gay," Mr Lukashenko replied.
Mr Westerwelle was, at the time, Germany's first openly gay minister.
Mr Lukashenko’s response to the coronavirus pandemic has also drawn heavy criticism, with the government refusing to introduce social distancing measures while keeping international borders open.
He dismissed fears of the virus as a form of “psychosis” and suggested drinking vodka, talking saunas and playing ice hockey were possible remedies.
Mr Lukashenko later claimed he had recovered from the virus without showing any symptoms.
The country of 10 million people has reported some 68,000 coronavirus cases and almost 600 deaths.
An unlikely challenger
Despite the crackdown on dissenting voices, Mr Lukashenko is facing his strongest challenge in years from stay-at-home mother Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.
She entered the race to stand in the place of her husband Sergei, a popular YouTube vlogger who was jailed before he could submit his candidacy.
"I love my husband very much, so I am continuing what he started," she recently told AFP.
Veronika Tsepkalo, candidate for the presidential elections Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Maria Kolesnikova have united to oppose Mr Lukashenko's rule. Source: AP
"I love Belarusians and I want to give them an opportunity to have a choice."
Ms Tikhanovskaya has been backed by two other opposition campaigns whose candidates were barred from contesting the election.
She's been joined on stage at her rallies by Maria Kolesnivkova, who managed the campaign of arrested candidate Viktor Babaryko.
Also appearing by her side is Veronika Tsepkalo, whose husband fled to Russia after standing for election, fearing persecution.
Positioning herself as “an ordinary woman, a mother and a wife”, Ms Tikhanouskaya has inspired tens of thousands to attend public mass rallies in defiance of government crackdowns.
Thousands gather at an opposition campaign rally in Minsk, Belarus Source: EPA
If she wins, she promises to implement democratic reforms and to free political prisoners.
Election concerns
In the past, European election monitors have raised concerns about the fairness and accuracy of elections held in Belarus.
Political analysts say the real challenge for the opposition will come after the election if, as expected, Mr Lukashenko claims victory.
"People are not afraid now," political analyst Alesia Rudnik told AFP.
"But an important step will be played out after the vote, will people take to the streets after the results are announced?"
