As Belarus approaches its next presidential election,a wave of challengers is beginning to surface,testifying to a growing dissent against President alexander Lukashenko’s long-standing authority. While Lukashenko has maintained tight control over the political landscape for nearly three decades, recent events suggest that both seasoned politicians and new faces are preparing to vie for the presidency. These individuals are capitalizing on a populace increasingly weary of economic hardships, human rights abuses, and…