MINSK, March 25. /TASS/. Alexander Lukashenko, who was elected president of Belarus for a seventh term in the January 26 elections, officially took office.
The presidential inauguration ceremony is taking place at the Independence Palace in Minsk. In the presence of the country's top officials, as well as numerous guests invited to the event, Lukashenko, placing his right hand on the Constitution of Belarus, took the oath in the Belarusian language.
He swore to faithfully serve the people, respect and protect the rights and freedoms of people, observe and protect the nation's constitution.
After that, the head of state signed the document confirming his assumption of office. Chairman of the Central Election Commission Igor Karpenko presented Lukashenko with a presidential certificate.
More than 1,100 people were invited to the inauguration
More than 1,100 people were invited to the inauguration, including the country's top leaders representing all three branches of power, presidential confidants during the last elections, members of the National Assembly, representatives of political parties and public associations, religious organizations, and the media. Russia is represented by its ambassador to the Republic Boris Gryzlov.
After the inauguration ceremony, Belarussian servicemen will take an oath of allegiance to the people and the president. The ceremony will take place on the National Flag Square, located near the Independence Palace.
According to the Central Election Commission of Belarus, Lukashenko won the January presidential election with 86.82% of the vote.