Belarusian People's Congress to partly unite powers of President and Parliament
In line with the draft Constitution submitted to a referendum, the Belarusian People's Congress will partly unite powers of the President and Parliament – as the Deputy Head of the President Administration, Olga Chupris, told Belarus 1 TV channel, BelTA reports
Since the establishment of the Constitutional Commission and until its final meeting with the President, the key task – as stated by Ms. Chupris – was to define checks and balances and determine the role of the Belarusian People's Congress in this system.
“As for checks and balances, part of the Parliament powers is going to the Belarusian People's Congress which will also receive part of the President’s powers. The Congress, in turn, aims to become an additional institution of checks and balances. It basically towers above all state bodies in cases when it is necessary,” she added.
Ms. Chupris also informed on two main tasks of the Belarusian People’s Congress. The latter will solve key issues of development of the state and society by adopting strategically important documents. The Congress’ functions will also be used in cases of a political crisis or when branches of government fail to agree on the most topical issues.
As reported, Aleksandr Lukashenko signed Decree No. 14 On Calling the Nationwide Referendum on January 20th. In line with the document, the nationwide referendum on amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus is scheduled for February 27th, 2022. The decree names the wording of the referendum question in the voting ballot: Do you accept amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus? The amendments and additions to the Constitution submitted to the referendum are listed in the decree.
