BELDOGE: The Meme Dog Against Dictator Lukashenko

In Belarus, the elections are underway, once again taking place under the conditions where Alexander Lukashenko remains without any real political opponents. The lack of transparency in vote counting and the inability to conduct elections outside the country have long been a subject of criticism. However, this year, an extraordinary initiative has emerged.

In the absence of real elections, members of the Belarusian diaspora are organizing Mock Elections on January 26th, featuring two candidates: Lukashenko and BELDOGE, a meme-based dog character. In 2020, during protest actions, the people of Belarus demanded that a dog be elected president, and now this idea has found its continuation. With no legitimate elections in Belarus, this provides an opportunity for anyone to vote for a new president and raise awareness of the catastrophic situation in Belarus. This campaign highlights a global trend of using digital technologies to mobilize against authoritarian regimes and raise awareness of the political situation in Belarus.

Based on recent information, OHCHR estimates up to 300,000 individuals have been forced to leave Belarus since 2020 in what has been a concerted campaign of violence and repression. As of January 25nd, human rights groups have documented 1,360 political prisoners in Belarus, including 171 women, around 40 journalists, several presidential candidates, and trade union leaders. The people in Belarus are living in what can only be described as a concentration camp. People are arrested for following certain channels on X, YouTube, or other platforms deemed undesirable by the authorities.

Dictators are deeply afraid of being mocked on the world stage. This meme dog could help many people currently imprisoned in Belarus and draw global attention to the country’s dire situation.

A meme is a cultural element, typically an image, video, or phrase, that spreads rapidly through the internet, often adapted and reimagined by different users. In the world of cryptocurrency, meme tokens represent digital artwork and shared cultural moments. 

On the Solana platform, the BELDOGE meme coin has emerged, opening up new possibilities to challenge the dictator using new technologies. Through blockchain, people around the world will be able to express their support for BELDOGE, which has become a symbol of protest and an alternative to Lukashenko. The official account of meme president BELDOGE has been launched on X.

Meme coins do not have centralized leadership or a single governing body. They are community-driven assets, meaning anyone can participate in their creation, acquisition, or trading. Owners of meme coins can freely buy, sell, or hold them at any time on supported exchanges or platforms.

As these coins are built on decentralized blockchain networks, their ownership is distributed among the community participants, and decisions are usually made through consensus or voting by the community, depending on the specific coin. This decentralized structure helps reduce the risk of manipulation by a single organization.

However, like all cryptocurrencies, meme coins carry risks. It’s important to conduct thorough research and approach them with caution. Their value often depends on community interest, memes, and social trends, which can lead to high volatility and speculation. The decentralized nature of meme coins ensures that no individual or group controls the coin, but this also means they may experience sharp price fluctuations.

It is uncertain whether this coin will gain popularity, as meme coin culture has not yet developed in Eastern Europe. However, if there is a breakthrough and BELDOGE reaches a high level of recognition, it could help keep the issue of Belarus at the forefront of the global agenda. This is particularly important for an authoritarian country like Belarus, where traditional forms of political resistance and dissent are suppressed. Meme coins like BELDOGE, which are decentralized and driven by community support, offer an innovative way to challenge oppressive regimes. By using digital assets that transcend borders, the international community can shine a spotlight on the situation in Belarus, increasing global awareness and potentially generating the kind of pressure that could lead to change.
 

BELDOGE is a meme character that has emerged in the context of Belarusian political satire and internet culture. Specifically, it relates to the political situation in Belarus, particularly around the time of the 2025 presidential elections as mentioned in the post from X. BELDOGE combines the popular internet meme Doge, which typically features a Shiba Inu dog with humorous and often nonsensical captions, with a satirical take on Belarusian politics.

BELDOGE is humorously proposed as a candidate in a "worldwide election for the Belarus President Meme," highlighting the use of memes as a form of political commentary and protest in Belarus. This meme character is used to critique and mock the long-standing presidency of Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, by juxtaposing the light-hearted nature of Doge with serious political commentary. The use of BELDOGE in this context underscores the role of internet memes in political discourse, especially in countries where traditional forms of political expression might be restricted or censored. 

Therefore, BELDOGE represents a blend of humor, satire, and political activism, where internet culture meets political critique, aiming to engage and mobilize public opinion through a unique and entertaining medium.
 

How Dogs Became Mayors in Small Towns

In an unexpected twist on local politics, there have been instances where dogs were elected mayors of towns around the world — a symbolic role that highlights the strength of community spirit and adds an element of fun to the political process. While these dogs do not make political decisions, they become beloved figures in their communities. Here are some examples of dogs who became mayors of cities:

In the small town of Talkeetna, Alaska, a cat named Stubbs was elected as the honorary "mayor" in 1997. While Stubbs was a cat, her story is often included in the list of "dog mayors," as her rule was in the spirit of these unique symbolic leaders. Stubbs was chosen for the mayoral role when local residents couldn’t agree on a candidate. Though Stubbs did not carry out political duties, she became a beloved figure, drawing tourists to Talkeetna. Her legacy demonstrates how animals can become symbolic leaders, even without formal political power. 

In Idyllwild, California, a golden retriever named Mayor Max became the honorary mayor of the town in 2012. Max was elected to the position in a town-wide vote, where residents chose their favorite candidate as part of a fun, non-political tradition. Max primarily performed his mayoral duties at public events, raised funds for charity, and became the town’s symbol. After his passing in 2022, his position was taken over by Mayor Max III, a puppy born in 2022, continuing the tradition. 

In Cormorant, Minnesota, a dog named Duke was elected mayor in 2014. The election was part of a fun, citywide tradition where not only people but also animals could run for mayor. Duke, a large Pyrenean Shepherd, won the election and served mostly in a symbolic role. His election showed how the town could approach politics with humor while fostering a sense of community and pride. 

In 2012, a pit bull mix named Brooster was elected honorary mayor of Sunol, California, as part of a fundraising event for a local animal shelter. Brooster’s election was aimed at raising awareness for animal rights and gathering funds for the shelter. Like other dog mayors, his duties were largely ceremonial, but his presence helped create a fun atmosphere and promoted goodwill within the community. 

In the small village of Omena, Michigan, a dog named Brynn became the honorary mayor in 2018. Her election was part of a charitable initiative to support a local organization. Although her role as mayor didn’t entail official duties, Brynn helped organize events and encouraged people to support local charitable causes. Her election symbolized the community's commitment to helping those in need and brought joy to people’s lives.

These examples show that while dogs do not hold political power in the traditional sense, they can have a positive impact on their communities by fostering unity, contributing to fun, and helping raise awareness for important local issues. The tradition of electing animals, including dogs, as mayors continues in small towns around the world, proving that sometimes the best leaders are those who bring joy to their people — without a political agenda.