Lukashenko wins amid mass arrests
According to preliminary results published by the Central Election Commission of Belarus, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won a landslide victory in the December 19 presidential elections, gaining 79.67% of the vote.
Lukashenko's closest rival, opposition candidate Andrei Sannikov was backed by 164 thousand voters (2.56%).
Yaroslav Romanchuk and Grigory Kostusev got 1.97% of the votes, followed by Vladimir Niakliaeu with 1.77%, Vladimir Niakliaeu - 1.77%, Ales Michalevic -1.2%, Vital Rymasheuski - 1.1%, Viktor Tereshchenko - 1.08% and Nikolai Statkevich -1.04% and Dmitri Uss 0,48%.
Mass demonstrations were held in Minsk after the presidential elections. After the closure of precincts, tens of thousands of people flocked to the capital center angered by Lukashenko's victory. The protesters held a march to the government building where they broke windows and doors.
The country's defense forces drove the ralliers off the site arresting three opposition candidates.
Belarusian Defense Minister announced that 30 policemen were injured during the unrest.
A criminal case has been filed against the opposition candidates on charges of provoking public disturbances.
According to preliminary reports, 27 opposition activists were detrained in Belarus.
Lukashenko won a fourth 5-year term. He has been governing the country since 1994.
