EU, UK, Australia, Canada, NZ condemn Belarus election

The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions targeting Belarusian officials and defence companies after joining the European Union and several English-speaking governments in condemning what they called "sham" presidential elections in the country.

The measures come after Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko was declared winner of a presidential election in the country, allowing him to extend his 31-year rule.

European politicians have said the vote was neither free nor fair because independent media are banned in the former Soviet republic and all leading opposition figures have either been jailed or forced to flee abroad.

Lukashenko and the allied Russian government have both dismissed foreign criticism of the election.

A joint statement issued by Australia, Canada, the European Union, New Zealand and the UK on Monday said they were united in condemnation of Sunday's "sham" election and what they called human rights violations perpetrated by Lukashenko's government.

The statement was published on the UK government website.

"Recently announced sanctions represent a co-ordinated, multilateral effort to hold the Lukashenko regime to account," the statement added.

The UK said it was sanctioning six electoral and security officials, including the chairman of the Belarusian Central Election Commission, in co-ordination with Canada.

Those sanctioned also include three companies that produce ammunition, drones and radar and weapon control systems.

"The world has become well-accustomed to Lukashenko's cynical pretence of democracy in Belarus, while in reality he brutally represses civil society and opposition voices to strengthen his grip on power," UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said.

State media reported 70-year-old Lukashenko garnered 86.8 per cent of the vote, according to preliminary results announced by the electoral commission.

With opposition politicians either in exile or imprisoned, and the four alternative candidates seen as state-approved extras, it was seen as inevitable that Lukashenko would obtain another five-year term in the presidency.

About 6.9 million people were eligible to vote in the country and voter turnout was reported at 85.7 per cent according to the preliminary results.

with DPA