Belarus' Lukashenko tightens grip in referendum

PanARMENIAN.Net - Belarus' leader Alexander Lukashenko has gained further power after a referendum on Sunday, February 28.

Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since 1994.

The country's central electoral commission said that around 65% of votes were cast in favor of changing the country's constitution, and 10% voted against the change, Deutsche Welle reports.

According to the electoral commission, turnout for the referendum was at just over 78% of eligible voters. For the referendum to be considered valid, it needed a turnout of at least 50%.

The change to the constitution gives Lukashenko lifelong immunity from prosecution and allows him to secure further time in office.

Under the amendment, a president will not be able to be held liable for actions taken through the exercise of presidential powers. Lukashenko will also become a permanent member of the upper house of Belarus' parliament.

Meanwhile, opposition groups developed their own draft of a new constitution, whereby the country would become a parliamentary republic, limiting presidential powers.

The amendment would also allow Russian troops and nuclear weapons to be permanently stationed in Belarus. During the ongoing Russian attack on Ukraine, Moscow has used Belarusian territory as a base for military operations.