Alexander Lukashenko vs William Howard Taft

Alexander Lukashenko won the first presidential election of independent Belarus with 80% of the vote. He campaigned on an anti-corruption platform and promised to restore ties with Russia. His election marked the beginning of an authoritarian regime that would last for decades.

Lukashenko held a controversial referendum that extended his presidential term and expanded his powers, effectively dissolving the parliament. The referendum was widely criticized as unconstitutional by international observers. This consolidated his authoritarian control over Belarus.

Lukashenko signed the Treaty on the Creation of a Union State of Russia and Belarus, aiming for closer political and economic integration. The union has remained largely symbolic, with limited implementation. It strengthened Lukashenko's ties with Moscow and provided economic support.

Following a disputed presidential election in August 2020, massive protests erupted across Belarus. Lukashenko's government violently suppressed the demonstrations, arresting thousands and using force against protesters. The crackdown drew international condemnation and sanctions.

Belarusian authorities claimed to have foiled an assassination plot against Lukashenko, allegedly involving US intelligence agencies. The incident was used to justify a crackdown on opposition figures. The claims were met with skepticism internationally, with some viewing it as a pretext for repression.

Taft, a Republican, won the 1908 presidential election against Democrat William Jennings Bryan. Taft was handpicked by outgoing President Theodore Roosevelt as his successor, promising to continue Roosevelt's progressive policies.

Taft signed the Payne-Aldrich Tariff, which lowered some tariffs but raised others, disappointing progressives who wanted significant reductions. The tariff alienated Taft from the progressive wing of the Republican Party and contributed to the party split.

President Warren G. Harding appointed Taft as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, a position Taft had long desired. Taft served until 1930, becoming the only person to have held both the presidency and the chief justiceship.