A referendum on constitutional reforms in Belarus was held on Sunday.

The result also makes it possible for President Alexander Lukashenko to extend his time in power.

In connection with the referendum, film clips have been spread on social media on Belarusians protesting at polling stations and on the streets in several places around the country.

The crowds have, among other things, chanted "No to war!".

The protests have been met by police and arrests.

Mr Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, promised a referendum in the wake of widespread protests against his contested re-election in 2020. By amending the constitution, Lukashenko is following in the footsteps of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In 2020, a vote was taken on constitutional changes in Russia that enabled him to remain in power until 2036.

"Belarus's sovereignty as state has ceased"

Since the invasion began, and Russian forces invaded Ukraine via Belarus, among others, Alexander Lukashenko has claimed that the Belarusian army is not involved in the fighting.

But recently there have been reports that the country is about to join the military, and several sources, including the Washington Post, now state that Belarus is preparing to send soldiers into the neighboring country.

Martin Kragh, Russia expert and head of the Russia and Eurasia program at the Foreign Policy Institute, is not particularly surprised by the information.

- Already on Thursday, when the war had broken out, it was obvious that some of the Russian attacks took place through Belarusian territory, into Ukraine, Kragh says and continues:

Belarus can be seen as a state whose sovereignty has ceased under Lukashenko, who has become increasingly dependent on Putin.

All indications are that Belarus is an extension of the Russian Federation.

Election Commission chief Igor Karpenko says more than 65 percent voted in favor of the changes, Russian news agencies report.

According to Karpenko, turnout was over 78 percent.

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