The inauguration of Alexander Lukashenko is the capstone to a rigged and illegitimate presidential election that occurred in Belarus in August. Lukashenko has thus become an illegitimate leader in Slovakia's view, chief of Slovak diplomacy Ivan Korčok (SaS nominee) declared after a session of the Government on Wednesday. "President Lukashenko only confirmed what his approach is towards his own people, who are protesting and demanding free and fair elections," claimed Korčok. By opting for the inauguration, the Belarus President secured his place at the top of the sanctions list, with Korčok voicing hope that the EU will respond promptly. According to official election results, Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, garnered 80.1 percent of votes whereas his main challenger and current opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya became a runner-up with 10 percent of votes. The turnout stood at 84.3 percent.
