"Multi-party system, pluralism of opinions - this is a lie, a Western lie." Lukashenka considers constitutional return to the Soviet system
In an interview with the Russian channel Russia Today, Alexander Lukashenka stated that the abolition of the Soviet constitutional norm about the leading and guiding role of the Communist Party was a mistake, "thrown in" by "enemies".
Alexander Lukashenka and Kim Jong Un during the meeting of dictators in North Korea, March 26, 2026. Photo Belarus Presidential Press Service via AP
On April 20, Belarusian state media published dozens of fragments of an interview with Alexander Lukashenka to the Russian propaganda channel. As the main message, hundreds of state media and channels emphasize criticism of political systems based on free elections.
Alexander Lukashenka stated that "in Soviet times, well-wishers from the West incited against the leading and guiding role of the Communist Party, which was enshrined in the Constitution. 'And, as it turned out today, all this was a lie, a Western lie,' the dictator said."
Repost of the BelTA message by the Western Operational Command of the Armed Forces of Belarus channel
Repost of the same BelTA message by regional media
"Westerners recommended to us, first of all, a multi-party system, pluralism of opinions, and so on, and so forth. They recommended it to us, and we adhered to it. Russia, led by Yeltsin, was in the vanguard, of course," said Alexander Lukashenka. "You know what this led to. Especially using Russia as an example."
Lukashenka repeated his false claim that, as a deputy, he voted against the collapse of the Soviet Union. (In fact, the only deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the 12th convocation who voted against was Valery Tsikhinya; corresponding archival documents are preserved. Lukashenka himself abstained from voting.)
Alexander Lukashenka's statements may indicate an intention to abolish even the formal election of the country's leadership in general elections and return to a system that existed in the USSR and, in one form or another, has been preserved in China, North Korea, and Cuba.
In this system, the head of state is formally elected by a narrow circle of the elite, organized into a ruling party - in Belarus, this could be the All-Belarusian People's Assembly, formed according to lists sent from above, which votes unanimously. In fact, there is an unlimited power of one person, a family, or a group of people.
The interviewer from Russia Today played along with Alexander Lukashenka, claiming that he enjoys massive popular support.
During the interview, the 71-year-old dictator's head shook violently. This tremor first became noticeable two and a half years ago, and is now intensifying.
The last time Alexander Lukashenka allowed the registration of a candidate not under his control was in 2020, when the Central Election Commission allowed Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to run. Judging by the protocols from those polling stations, both urban and rural, where vote counting was transparent, Lukashenka suffered a crushing defeat.
But he did not give up power and forced Tsikhanouskaya to leave the country. This caused massive popular protests, involving millions of people. In response, the authorities began political repression. Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians were forced to leave the country, and hundreds of thousands more fell into various types of "black lists" for dismissal or restriction of rights. About 150 thousand became victims of criminal and administrative prosecution.
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