Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is on track to win a seventh term with 87.6% of the vote in Sunday’s election, according to an exit poll.

Lukashenko, in power since 1994, faces criticism from the US and EU, who argue the election cannot be fair due to the suppression of independent media and opposition figures.

Turnout was reported at 81.5%. Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin, has been criticized for suppressing protests in 2020 and allowing Russian troops to use Belarus for the invasion of Ukraine.

With all political opponents either jailed or in exile, Lukashenko’s control remains unchallenged, despite accusations of election rigging and a continuing crackdown on dissent.

His government maintains strong support, though many citizens are fearful of voicing their opinions, the Guardian has reported.

The exiled opposition dismissed the vote as illegitimate, with EU officials also calling it a “sham.”

Written by B.C. Begley