Belarus Parliament: Understanding The Two Chambers

The Parliament of Belarus is known as the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. It is a bicameral parliament, consisting of two chambers: the Council of the Republic and the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives is made up of 110 deputies, all elected by the people of Belarus, while the Council of the Republic is a regional representative body with 64 members, 8 of whom are appointed by the President. Each chamber has distinct duties, but both have the authority to veto the decrees of local administrations that contravene the Constitution of Belarus.

The House of Representatives

The key powers and functions of the House of Representatives include:

• Considering and drafting legislation
• Calling presidential elections
• Approving the President's nomination for Prime Minister
• Assessing and approving or rejecting the Government's performance, including the power to propose no-confidence votes
• Considering draft laws, including guidelines for domestic and foreign policy, military doctrine, and the ratification and denunciation of international treaties
• Amending and altering the Constitution and providing its interpretation

While the House of Representatives has these formal powers, it has been noted that, in practice, it has little real power. Since constitutional amendments in 1996, the House has had limited control over government spending and requires presidential consent to pass laws that affect the budget. Additionally, if the House rejects the President's nominee for Prime Minister twice, the President has the right to dissolve it. As such, the governing power is largely concentrated in the hands of the President, Alexander Lukashenko.

The Council of the Republic

The National Assembly of Belarus was established in 1996, replacing the Supreme Council of Belarus. The Assembly has two regular sessions each year, with the first session commencing on 2 October and lasting no more than 80 days, and the second session starting on 2 April and lasting no longer than 90 days.

While the National Assembly has the power to pass legislation and perform other parliamentary functions, the Belarusian political system concentrates governing power in the hands of the President, Alexander Lukashenko. The Assembly has no control over government spending and requires presidential permission to consider any bill that affects spending.

The National Assembly's duties

The Parliament of Belarus is known as the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus and consists of two chambers: the Council of the Republic and the House of Representatives.

The National Assembly is a bicameral representative and legislative body of the Republic of Belarus. It has the power to adopt the state budget and participate in the formation of executive and judicial powers. It also exercises control functions and engages in foreign policy activities.

The House of Representatives, the lower house, consists of 110 deputies, all elected by the people of Belarus. Deputies must be citizens of Belarus and at least 21 years old. They may also be members of the Belarus government but cannot serve simultaneously on the Council of the Republic. The House of Representatives meets for two regular sessions every year, with the power to:

• Consider draft legislation
• Call presidential elections
• Approve the President's nomination for Prime Minister
• Assess and approve or reject the Government's activities
• Propose no-confidence votes where necessary

The Council of the Republic, the upper house, is a regional representative body with 64 members. Local Councils elect 56 members (8 from each region and 8 from Minsk), while the Belarusian President selects the final 8 members. Candidates must be at least 30 years old and have resided in the relevant region of Belarus for a minimum of 5 years. The Council's main role is to approve or decline draft legislation that has been approved by the House of Representatives. Both chambers have the ability to veto the decrees of local administrations that deviate from the Constitution of Belarus.

The National Assembly's sessions

The National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus is the country's bicameral parliament, consisting of two chambers: the Council of the Republic and the House of Representatives. Each chamber has distinct responsibilities, but both possess the authority to veto the decrees of local administrations that deviate from the Constitution of Belarus.

The National Assembly convenes for two regular sessions annually. The first session commences on October 2nd and lasts no longer than 80 days, while the second session begins on April 2nd and does not exceed 90 days. These sessions are held in the Oval Hall of the Seat of Government.

Extraordinary sessions can be called for specific agendas by the President or upon the request of at least two-thirds of the members of each chamber. These sessions may be convened by a presidential decree or the Chairperson of the House of Representatives. During these sessions, the Parliament may hear reports, such as that of the Prosecutor General's office performance report delivered by Andrei Shved.

The House of Representatives, the lower house, comprises 110 deputies elected by the Belarusian people for four-year terms. Any citizen of Belarus who is at least 21 years old is eligible to become a member. The House holds the power to call for presidential elections, approve the appointment of the Prime Minister, and assess the government's performance. It also plays a crucial role in considering draft laws and other government business.

The Council of the Republic, the upper house, is a regional representative body with 64 members. Eight members are appointed by the President, and the remaining 56 are elected by local councils, with eight members from each region and Minsk. Candidates for the Council must be at least 30 years old and have resided in the relevant region or Minsk for a minimum of five years. The Council's primary role is to approve or decline draft legislation that has been previously approved by the House of Representatives.

The National Assembly's formation

The National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus is the country's bicameral parliament, comprising two chambers: the Council of the Republic and the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives is the lower house of the parliament of Belarus, with 110 deputies elected by the Belarusian people to serve four-year terms. Any citizen of Belarus who is at least 21 years old is eligible to be a member of the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives is responsible for considering draft laws, approving the nomination of the Prime Minister, and assessing the government's performance. It also has the power to call for presidential elections and deliver votes of no confidence in the government.

The Council of the Republic, the upper house, is a regional representative body with 64 members. Eight members are appointed by the President, and the remaining 56 are elected by Local Councils, with eight members representing each region and Minsk. To be a member of the Council of the Republic, one must be at least 30 years old and have resided in the relevant region of Belarus for a minimum of five years. The Council's primary role is to approve or decline draft legislation that has been passed by the House of Representatives.

Both chambers of the National Assembly convene for two regular sessions annually and can be called for extraordinary sessions by presidential decree or at the request of at least two-thirds of the members of each chamber. Despite the existence of these chambers, the National Assembly has little power in practice, with governing power concentrated in the hands of President Alexander Lukashenko.

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