I was a stay-at-home mum until I stood for president

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Sviatlana Tikhanouskaya never intended to stand for the presidency of Belarus. It was her husband Sergei, a popular Belarusian blogger who wanted to challenge the country's long-time leader Alexander Lukashenko in the 2020 elections, but he wasn't allowed to register and was imprisoned. Sviatlana stood in his place. She was ridiculed by the country's leadership, but her lack of political experience enhanced her popularity, the opposition united behind Svatlana. It's widely believed she received the majority of votes. However, Alexander Lukashenko, who had held power since 1994, declared himself the winner and Sviatlana Tikhanouskaya was offered a grim choice either flee the country or face being separated from her children and imprisoned. Presenter Jo Fidgen Producer: Julian Siddle Get in touch: [email protected] or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707 (Photo: Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya campaigning in Minsk, Belarus, 19 July 2020. Credit: Tanya Kapitonova / Getty Images)