Lukashenko signed law On Belarusian People's Congress

The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, has signed the law On Belarusian People's Congress, the press service of the Head of State reports

The document aims to implement the constitutional norms on the Belarusian People's Congress, to consolidate its legal status as the highest representative body of the people's power, and also to determine the order of its formation and activity.

Delegates of the Belarusian People's Congress include the Head of State, the President who has terminated the exercise of his powers, representatives of the legislative, executive and judicial authorities, local councils of deputies, and civil society.

The Congress has no right to replace other state bodies, perform their functions, interfere in their activities.

The competence of the Belarusian People's Congress is defined in accordance with the Constitution, including the powers to make decisions:

-         on approval of the most important documents for the country (main guidelines of domestic and foreign policy, military doctrine, national security concept, socio-economic development programme);

-         on making a proposal to the President on holding a republican referendum;

-         on the legitimacy of elections of the President, deputies of the House of Representatives and members of the Council of the Republic;

-         on removing the President from office in case of his gross violation of the Constitution or commitment of a serious crime;

-         on election of judges of the Constitutional and Supreme courts, members of the Central Election Commission, and their dismissal from office;

-         on establishment of holidays and memorable dates;

-         on introduction of a state of emergency or martial law;

-         on possibility of sending military personnel outside the country to participate in activities to maintain international peace and security.

The scope of powers presupposes the special nature of the Congress’ decisions which are made by a majority of all members, are mandatory and can cancel legal acts and other decisions of state bodies that contradict the national security interests.

The Presidium (a permanent collegial body for prompt resolution of issues within the Congress’ competence) and the Secretariat (the Congress’ working body) are supposed to be established to ensure the activity of the Belarusian People's Congress. The Presidium is to consist of fifteen members. The Chairman of the Belarusian People's Congress, his deputies and other members of the Presidium are elected at the first meeting from among the Congress’ delegates.

The Chairman of the Belarusian People's Congress and his deputies exercise their powers on a professional basis, and other delegates act on-the-job.

The Congress’ meetings are to gather at least once a year, while meetings of its Presidium are to be held at least once every six months.

The implementation of the law will give a new impetus to state development. The Belarusian People's Congress – formed on a democratic basis – will perform stabilising and consolidating functions in society.