section_path: Conduct
section_name: Conduct
paragraph_text: Conduct
  
  The CEC did not conduct overseas voting for the election, citing a decrease in the number of diplomatic staff posted abroad. The decision disenfranchised many exiled critics and others who had left the country since 2020. Early voting began on 21 January, with turnout reaching 41.81% by 26 January. Opposition groups said that ballot boxes used in early voting were left unguarded until election day, allowing irregularities to take place. The Belarusian government invited the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to monitor the vote, but the latter was unable to send observers as the invitation was issued only ten days before the election. On March 25, 2025, Alexander Lukashenko was sworn in for a seventh term as President of Belarus after winning 85.7% of the vote in the election.