Belarus: A Conservative Country?

Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe with a diverse political spectrum, ranging from liberal to conservative. The country's political system includes 15 political parties, which can be divided into several groups. These groups include left-wing parties, Belarusian social and democratic parties, and liberal parties. Since 1994, elections in Belarus have raised questions among representatives of the international democratic community, and the country's politics have been described as authoritarian and anti-democratic. The Belarusian people have been described as stoic, superstitious, good-humoured, and socially responsible, and the country has been described as conservative.

Belarus has a diverse political spectrum, with 15 political parties

Belarus has a diverse political spectrum, with 15 registered political parties, ranging from liberal to conservative. The country's political parties are part and parcel of political pluralism, with the ultimate goal of protecting the rights and freedoms of the people.

The Belarusian system can be divided into several groups, with left-wing parties such as the Communist Party of Belarus, the Belarusian Left Party "A Just World", and the Belarusian Agrarian Party, advocating for the interests of working people and collective responsibility. Belarusian social and democratic parties include the Belarusian Social Democratic Assembly, the Belarusian Social Democratic Party, and the Social Democratic Party of Popular Accord. Liberal parties include the Liberal Democratic Party, the United Civic Party, and the Conservative Christian Party.

The Belarusian Social and Sports Party and the Republican Party do not align with any specific ideological principles. The majority of political parties in Belarus actively participate in important political campaigns, nominating their representatives for various positions and taking part in elections.

The country's political landscape has evolved since its independence in 1991, transitioning from a communist political system under the Soviet Union to a diverse array of political ideologies. Belarus's declaration of sovereignty in 1990 and subsequent independence were driven by reactions to domestic and foreign events, particularly Ukraine's declaration of independence.

The first Belarusian leader, Stanislav Shushkevich, supported social democratic reforms and guided the country away from its Soviet past. However, his successor, Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, re-introduced Soviet-era functions and symbols. Lukashenko's administration has been characterised as authoritarian, with elections not considered free and fair by international monitors. Despite the presence of multiple political parties, political success in Belarus is often dependent on loyalty to the president rather than party affiliation.

In recent years, Belarus has witnessed significant societal changes, with people experiencing increased freedom of movement and improved economic opportunities. The rise of the IT sector and the digitisation of society have contributed to a more open and globally connected Belarus. However, the country continues to face challenges, including mass repressions, restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly, and the lack of transparent elections.

The country's politics take place within a presidential republic framework

Belarus is often considered an authoritarian regime, with some analysts describing it as a dictatorship. The country's politics take place within a presidential republic framework, where the president is the head of state and government. The president is elected by popular vote for a five-year term and is eligible for re-election indefinitely. While the constitution provides for a separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, in practice, the president wields significant power and influence over all aspects of the state.

The president of Belarus has extensive powers and can issue decrees and orders that have the force of law. They are the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, can appoint and dismiss government officials, and play a leading role in foreign policy. The presidential administration, an executive body directly subordinate to the president, oversees the implementation of presidential programs and policies and coordinates the work of government agencies.

The legislative branch of Belarus is bicameral, consisting of the lower house, the House of Representatives, and the upper house, the Council of the Republic. The House of Representatives has 110 members, elected for four-year terms, 64 of whom are elected through single-member districts, and 56 through a proportional representation system. The Council of the Republic has 56 members, with eight members appointed by the president and the remaining 48 indirectly elected by local councils for four-year terms. While the legislature has the power to pass laws, its role is often overshadowed by the president's decree authority.

The judicial system in Belarus is not independent and is influenced by the executive branch. The Constitutional Court interprets the constitution and reviews the constitutionality of laws, while the Supreme Court is the highest judicial body for civil, criminal, and administrative cases. However, the president has the power to appoint and dismiss judges, and the judicial system is often accused of lacking fairness and independence.

In terms of political parties and elections, Belarus has a multi-party system. However, it is dominated by a strong presidential power, and opposition parties face significant obstacles and repression. The country has a history of controversial elections, with international observers often criticizing them as falling short of democratic standards. The government has been accused of rigging elections, suppressing opposition, and controlling the media to favor the incumbent president.

Overall, while Belarus operates within a presidential republic framework, the country's political system is heavily tilted towards authoritarianism, with a powerful executive branch, a weak legislature, and a compromised judicial system. The dominance of the president and the lack of checks and balances have led to concerns about democratic backsliding and the consolidation of authoritarian rule.

The Belarusian dictatorship began with Lukashenko's rise to power

Belarus has a diverse political spectrum, with conservative and liberal parties making up its political system. However, the country has been labelled a dictatorship since the rise of Alexander Lukashenko to power in 1994.

Lukashenko has been referred to as "Europe's last dictator", and his government has been described as authoritarian. International monitors have not considered Belarusian elections to be free and fair, except for his initial win. Lukashenko has suppressed opponents and limited media freedom, resulting in sanctions imposed by Western governments.

Rise to Power

Alexander Lukashenko was elected as the first president of Belarus in 1994, following the adoption of a new constitution. He won the election with 80.1% of the vote, campaigning as an independent populist with no clear political program. At the time, he was seen as a populist with no clear political agenda, and Belarusians voted against the old communist establishment.

Economic Policies

Lukashenko opposed economic shock therapy during the 1990s post-Soviet transition, maintaining state ownership of key industries. This approach spared Belarus from recessions as severe as those in other post-Soviet states. He retained Soviet-era symbolism, including the Russian language, coat of arms, and national flag, which were adopted after a controversial 1995 referendum.

Consolidation of Power

Lukashenko gradually consolidated power through referendums and constitutional amendments. In 1996, a referendum further facilitated his consolidation of power, and he gained the right to rule by decree and prolong his term in office. He also acquired the authority to dismiss the Supreme Council.

Political Repression

Lukashenko's political agenda included gradually increasing political repression. He is accused of at least four political murders and has imprisoned dozens of political opponents. The media and economy are also under strong state control.

Foreign Relations

Lukashenko's foreign policy has been characterised by close political relations with Russia. He played a crucial role in creating the Union State of Russia and Belarus, enabling freedom of movement between the two countries. However, his relationship with Russia has had its tensions, and he has also sought greater engagement with Western countries.

Protests and Opposition

Lukashenko's rule has faced opposition and protests, particularly following the 2020 presidential election, which was widely denounced as fraudulent. The opposition has been led by figures such as Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who was forced to flee to Lithuania. Despite the crackdown on protesters, journalists, and critics of his regime, Lukashenko's position has been challenged, and his government has been described as vulnerable.

The country's political parties can be divided into left-wing, liberal, and centrist groups

The political parties in Belarus can be divided into left-wing, liberal, and centrist groups.

Left-Wing Parties

The Communist Party of Belarus, the Belarusian Left Party “A Just World”, the Belarusian Agrarian Party, the Republican Party of Labor and Justice, and the Belarusian Patriotic Party are all left-wing parties. They protect the interests of working people and advocate for collective responsibility.

Liberal Parties

The Liberal Democratic Party, the United Civic Party, the Conservative Christian Party, and the BNF Party are liberal parties. These parties represent a range of views, from conservative to centrist.

Centrist Parties

Centrist parties in Belarus include the Belarusian Social and Sports Party and the Republican Party, which do not manifest specific ideological principles.

Other Parties

In addition to these groups, there are other political parties in Belarus that do not fall neatly into one category. For example, the Belarusian Social Democratic Assembly, the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Hramada), and the Social Democratic Party of Popular Accord are social democratic parties. The Belarusian Green Party also exists, but it is unclear if it aligns with left-wing or centrist ideologies.

Overall, the Belarusian political system includes 15 political parties, ranging from left-wing to conservative, with a diverse range of political views and ideologies.

The Belarusian Social Democratic Party is one of the most prominent opposition parties

Belarus has a diverse political spectrum, with political parties representing a broad range of views, from liberal to conservative. There are over a dozen registered political parties in the country, and while success has largely depended on loyalty to the president, opposition parties are permitted.

The Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Assembly) is one of the most prominent opposition parties in the country. It is a social-democratic political party that opposes the government of President Alexander Lukashenko. The party is a full member of the Socialist International and is supported by various Western European social democratic parties. The Belarusian Social Democratic Party promotes the entry of Belarus into the European Union and NATO, as well as the accession of Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova.

The party was founded in 2005 after a split within the BSDP (People's Assembly) and considers itself the successor of the historical Belarusian Socialist Assembly founded in 1902. In the 2006 presidential election, the party's candidate, Alaksandar Kazulin, won 2.3% of the vote. The party has not secured any seats in legislative elections.

On September 20, 2023, the Belarusian Social Democratic Party was banned by the Supreme Court of Belarus.

Frequently asked questions