Belarus strongman faces surprise challenge in tense vote

Belarus held tense presidential polls on Sunday with a popular woman opposition candidate posing the greatest challenge in years to long-ruling strongman Alexander Lukashenko.

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, a 37-year-old English teacher and translator by training, stood for office after the authorities detained her husband, popular blogger Sergei Tikhanovsky, and barred him from running.

She emerged as 65-year-old Lukashenko's strongest rival and her rallies drew tens of thousands across the country.

"I want honest elections," she told cheering supporters outside a polling station in Minsk.

Her presidential bid has sparked widespread calls for change in the ex-Soviet country of 9.5 million, which Lukashenko has ruled with an iron grip for the last 26 years.

At polling stations, many wore white bracelets that have become a symbol of the opposition. Tikhanovskaya wore one on each wrist.

'Tired of absurdity'

"I hope something will change," said Vadim Svichkarev, a 49-year-old security guard. "It's very hard to be stuck in the same position for 26 years."

Alexander, a 47-year-old labourer, said "people are just tired of this absurdity, this constant stream of positive words on television...