Info

Belarus

`

Boundary Delimitation

BD001

Delimitation of constituencies

Question:	Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:	a. Yes
Comments:	In the presidential elections the whole country is one constituency. When the members of the House of Representatives are elected the country is divided into 110 constituencies.
Source:	Code on Elections: art. 14-15.
Verified:	2009/08/20

BD003

Criteria for drawing boundaries

Question:	On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):	a. "Equality" of population c. Compactness of constituencies
Comments:	a) Approximately equal number of voters. The difference between the number of registered voters in different constituencies must not exceed 10%.
Source:	Code on Elections: art. 15.
Verified:	2009/08/20

BD005

Body responsible for drawing boundaries

Question:	The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):	e. Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments:
Source:	Code on Elections: art. 16.
Verified:	2009/08/20

`

Electoral Systems

ES001

Head of State

Question:	How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):	c. Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments:	The first round is valid only in case more than 50% of registered voters participated in elections.
Source:	Constitution: art. 82.
Verified:	2009/08/20

ES002

Head of Government

Question:	How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:	e. Appointed
Comments:	The Prime minister shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of Belarus with the consent of the House of Representatives. The decision to this order shall be taken by the House of Representatives within two weeks since the nomination of the candidacy of the Prime minister. If the House of Representatives rejects the submitted nomination of the Prime minister twice, the President shall appoint the acting Prime minister on his own, and dissolve the House of Representatives and call new elections.
Source:	Constitution: art. 106.
Verified:	2009/08/20

ES003

President

Question:	Does the country have a president?
Answer:	a. Yes
Comments:
Source:	Constitution: art. 79.
Verified:	2009/08/20

ES004

Number of Chambers

Question:	The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:	b. Two chambers
Comments:	The first chamber: Palata Predstaviteley (House of Representatives). The second chamber: Soviet Respubliki (Council of the Republic).
Source:	Constitution: art. 90.
Verified:	2009/08/20

ES005

Electoral System (Chamber 1)

Question:	What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):	d. Two-Round System
Comments:	Members to the House of the Representatives are elected in single-mandate constituencies. If none of the candidates gains more than half of the votes, a second round is held.
Source:	Constitution: art. 67. Code on Elections: art. 82 & 83.
Verified:	2009/08/20

`

Legislative Framework

LF001

Status of Electoral Law

Question:	What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):	a. Part of Constitution b. Separate legislation
Comments:	b) Separate legislation Act - Code on Elections.
Source:	Code on Elections: art. 1.
Verified:	2009/08/20

LF003

Electoral Law covers

Question:	The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):	a. National elections b. Regional elections c. Local elections d. Referendums
Comments:
Source:	Code on Elections: art. 1.
Verified:	2002/07/15

LF004

Compulsory/voluntary voting

Question:	Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):	a. Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source:	Constitution: art. 38 & 65. Code on Elections: art. 5.
Verified:	2009/08/20

LF007

Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)

Question:	What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):	a. Judiciary b. EMB
Comments:	The main rule is that the disputes are settled by the Electoral Commission at different levels, but there are special questions that have to be taken to court.
Source:	Law on Central Election Commission: art. 4:17 & art. 6.
Verified:	2009/08/20

`

Electoral Management

EM001

Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:

Name of Institution: Central Commission on Elections 
Website Address: www.rec.gov.by 	

Source

No Source

Verified

2009/10/30

(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

EM002

Responsibility of national EMB

Question:	Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):	a. National level b. Regional level c. Local level
Comments:
Source:	Law on Central Election Commission: art. 1. Code on Elections: art. 26.
Verified:	2009/08/20

EM004

EMB budget determined by

Question:	The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):	c. The legislature
Comments:	There is separate state budgetary estimates.
Source:	Constitution: art. 70. Code on Elections: art. 48. Law on Central Election Commission: art. 8.
Verified:	2009/08/20

EM005

EMB expenditures controlled by

Question:	The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):	c. The legislature
Comments:	Central Election Commission has to perform report on expenditure cost alloted from the state budget for Palata Predstaviteley (Chamber 1).
Source:	Law on Central Election Commission: art. 4:9.
Verified:	2009/08/20

EM006

Term of EMB members

Question:	The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:	b. For a specified number of years
Comments:	For a term of five years.
Source:	Law on Central Election Commission: art. 3.
Verified:	2009/08/20

`

Voter Education

VE001

Information campaigns performed by

Question:	Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):	a. National Electoral Management Body b. Regional Electoral Management Bodies c. Local/County Electoral Management Bodies d. National Government g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations h. Political parties/ candidates i. Media
Comments:
Source:	Mrs. Lidia Ermoshina - Chairperson of the Central Commission of the Republic of the Belarus on Elections and Holding of Republican Referendums. centrizb@pmrb.gov.by
Verified:	2009/08/20

VE002

Frequency of voter education programs

Question:	At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:	b. Election time only
Comments:
Source:	Ms. Lidia Ermoshina - Chairperson of the Central Commission of the Republic of the Belarus on Elections and Holding of Republican Referendums. centrizb@pmrb.gov.by
Verified:	2009/08/20

VE003

National civic education

Question:	Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):	a. No
Comments:
Source:	Ms. Lidia Ermoshina - Chairperson of the Central Commission of the Republic of the Belarus on Elections and Holding of Republican Referendums. centrizb@pmrb.gov.by
Verified:	2002/08/21

`

Voter Registration

VR001

Voting age

Question:	What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:	c. 18
Comments:
Source:	Constitution: art. 64. Code on Elections: art. 4.
Verified:	2009/08/20

VR002

Other voting requirements

Question:	Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):	a. Citizenship
Comments:
Source:	Constitution: art. 38 & 64. Code on Elections: art. 4.
Verified:	2009/08/20

VR004

Body responsible for voter registration

Question:	Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:	c. Local Government Authority
Comments:
Source:	Code on Elections: art. 19.
Verified:	2009/08/20

VR008

Compulsory voter registration

Question:	Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:	a. Yes
Comments:
Source:	Code on Elections: art. 19
Verified:	2009/08/20

`

Voting Operations

VO003

Electors vote at

Question:	Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):	a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections e. At mobile polling stations
Comments:	e) Persons who are not able to come to the polling stations on their own, can vote via mobile voting stations.
Source:	Code on Elections, articles 51 and 54.
Verified:	2009/08/20

VO004

Voting outside the country is permitted for

Question:	Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):	b. Citizens residing outside the country c. Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation) e. Students f. Diplomatic staff
Comments:
Source:	Lidia Ermoshina - Chairperson of the Central Commission of the Republic of the Belarus on Elections and Holding of Republican Referendums. centrizb@pmrb.gov.by
Verified:	2009/08/20

VO005

Locations for voting outside of the country

Question:	If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):	a. Embassies
Comments:
Source:	. Lidia Ermoshina - Chairperson of the Central Commission of the Republic of the Belarus on Elections and Holding of Republican Referendums. centrizb@pmrb.gov.by
Verified:	2009/08/20

VO011

Voting method

Question:	How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):	a. Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source:	Code on Elections, article 52.
Verified:	2009/08/20

`

Parties and Candidates

PC001

Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)

Question:	What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):	h. Not applicable
Comments:	Parties do not compete in elections they can only propose candidates and the candidates can be members of the parties.
Source:	Code on Elections, articles 60, 62 and 65.
Verified:	2009/08/20

PC003

Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)

Question:	What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):	a. Age b. Citizenship d. Residence
Comments:	a) 21 years old. d) Permanent residence.
Source:	Constitution, article 92. Code on Elections, article 57.
Verified:	2009/08/20

PC008

Independent candidates

Question:	Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):	e. In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments:	A candidate for President can only be nominated by the citizens. A candidate for deputy must be nominated either by registered political parties, labour team or citizens via collecting signatures.
Source:	Code on Elections, article 60.
Verified:	2009/08/20

PC012

Public funding of parties

Question:	Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):	a. No
Comments:	Parties do not compete in elections. They can only nominate candidates for the deputies. Those candidates nominated by the parties have media access.
Source:	Code on Elections, article 46 and 48.
Verified:	2009/08/20

PC015

Basis of public funding

Question:	What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):	a. Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance
Comments:	All candidates, nominated by political parties, receive equal funds.
Source:	Code on Elections, article 45 and 48.
Verified:	2009/08/20

PC017

Private funding of parties

Question:	Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:	b. No
Comments:	Contributions to political parties can come from the common fund established by the "CEC", private persons, social institutions and political parties. Foreign states, organizations and common organizations are not allowed to finance the elections of Belarus. This funds can only be used for preparation and implementation of elections.
Source:	Code on Elections, article 48.
Verified:	2009/08/20

`

Vote Counting

VC004

Voters are sorted/counted at

Question:	Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:	a. The polling stations
Comments:
Source:	Code on Elections, article 55.
Verified:	2009/08/20

VC011

Conditions for recount

Question:	Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):	f. Other
Comments:	Based on an order from the upper electoral commission, in case there are mistakes in the counting or other violations to the electoral law.
Source:	Code on Election, article 82.
Verified:	2009/08/20

`

Media and Elections

ME037

Parties receive free broadcast time based on

Question:	What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):	a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments:
Source:	Code on Elections, article 45 et seq
Verified:	2009/08/20

ME059

Existence of televised debates

Question:	Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):	c. No
Comments:
Source:	Mrs. Lidia Ermoshina - Chairperson of the Central Commission of the Republic of the Belarus on Elections and Holding of Republican Referendums. centrizb@pmrb.gov.by
Verified:	2009/08/20

ME062

Blackout period for opinion polls

Question:	What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:	f. 10 or more days
Comments:	10 days
Source:	Code on Elections, article 46.
Verified:	2009/08/20

ME080

Maximum amount for paid advertising

Question:	Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:	c. No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified:	2009/08/20

`

Direct Democracy

DD002

Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)

Question:	Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:	a. Yes
Comments:	*Only mandatory regarding the amendment of certain section in the constitution. *The Council of Europe has barred Belarus from membership since 1997 for undemocratic voting irregularities in the November 1996 constitutional referendum and parliament by-elections. According to the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, Belarus's constitution is "illegal and does not respect minimum democratic standards and thus violates the principles of separation of powers and the rule of law". 14 referendums held since 1995, concerning for ex closer ties to Russia, constitutional reform, direct elections of government and abolition of death penalty.
Source:	Art 72 et seq, 97, 99 138 et seq. Constitution of Belarus; Electoral Code Of The Republic Of Belarus Adopted by the Chamber of Representatives: on January 24, 2000, Approved by the Council of the Republic: on January 31, 2000 (hereinafter Electoral Code) "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/20

DD003

Mandatory referendums (national level)

Question:	Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:	a. Yes
Comments:	*Only mandatory regarding the amendment of certain section in the constitution. *The Council of Europe has barred Belarus from membership since 1997 for undemocratic voting irregularities in the November 1996 constitutional referendum and parliament by-elections. According to the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, Belarus's constitution is "illegal and does not respect minimum democratic standards and thus violates the principles of separation of powers and the rule of law". 14 referendums held since 1995, concerning for ex closer ties to Russia, constitutional reform, direct elections of government and abolition of death penalty.
Source:	Art 72 et seq, 97, 99 138 et seq. Constitution of Belarus; Electoral Code Of The Republic Of Belarus Adopted by the Chamber of Representatives: on January 24, 2000, Approved by the Council of the Republic: on January 31, 2000 (hereinafter Electoral Code) "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/20

DD004

Optional referendums (national level)

Question:	Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:	a. Yes
Comments:
Source:	Art 72 et seq, 97, 99 138 et seq. Constitution of Belarus; Electoral Code "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/20

DD005

Citizens' Initiatives (national level)

Question:	Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:	a. Yes
Comments:
Source:	Art 72 et seq, 97, 99 138 et seq. Constitution of Belarus; Electoral Code "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/20

DD006

Agenda Initiatives (national level)

Question:	Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:	a. Yes
Comments:
Source:	Art 72 et seq, 97, 99 138 et seq. Constitution of Belarus; Electoral Code "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/20

DD007

Recalls (national level)

Question:	Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:	a. Yes
Comments:
Source:	Art 72 et seq, 97, 99 138 et seq. Constitution of Belarus; Electoral Code "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/20

DD129

Binding referenda

Question:	Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:	a. Always binding
Comments:
Source:	"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/20

DD130

National referenda deal with

Question:	Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:	c. Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source:	"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/20

DD131

Direct Democracy at sub-national level

Question:	Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:	a. Yes
Comments:
Source:	"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified:	2009/08/20