Inclined to hold early election: Lukashenko

He says it’s too premature to set a date

(FILES) In this file photo taken on August 09, 2020 Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko smiles as he votes at a polling station during the presidential election in Minsk on August 9, 2020. - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on September 8, 2020 suggested that Russia would be next if his regime falls in the face of a wave of mass demonstrations. "You know what we concluded with the Russian establishment and leadership? If Belarus falls, Russia will be next," state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Lukashenko as saying in an interview with several Russian media. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / POOL / AFP)

Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko, who has faced the biggest protests of his 26-year rule after disputed presidential polls, said on Wednesday that he did not rule out calling early elections but it was too soon to set a date.

Unprecedented demonstrations broke out after Mr. Lukashenko claimed to have defeated political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and won re-election with 80% of the vote in the August 9 ballot.

In an interview with Russian state media, Mr. Lukashenko said: “I am inclined to conduct an early presidential election. I do not rule this out.”

“I am saying this for the first time,” he noted.

The Opposition has urged Mr. Lukashenko to acknowledge defeat and step down so that fresh elections can be held according to international standards.

His security services have hit back with waves of arrests and deadly violence against protesters and a campaign of intimidation and expulsions against opposition leaders.