Belarus economic woes may complicate presidential poll
Significance This year started with a contraction of first-quarter GDP, after two years of very slow growth. Industrial output contracted as well. As world oil prices have dropped, Belarus no longer receives windfall proceeds from exporting distillates produced from cheap Russian crude. The onset of a systemic recession in an election year may prove particularly troublesome for President Alexander Lukashenka. Perhaps in anticipation of the worsening economic conditions, the electoral commission asked legislators to schedule this year's presidential polls on October 11, a month earlier than expected. Impacts To prevent economic failures from swaying voters away from Lukashenka, the authorities will step up suppression of opposition. Minsk may look for increased investment and strengthening of relations in the Asia-Pacific region as a way to boost the economy. According to Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak, Russia is considering a loan to Belarus to help refinance its debts.