Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Art. 14: Elections of the President of the Republic of Belarus shall be held within the united constituency comprising the whole territory of the Republic of Belarus.
Art. 15: 110 electoral circuits are created for the holding of elections of deputies of the House of Representatives on the territory of the Republic of Belarus.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 14 & 15: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population c . Compactness of constituencies
Comments: 110 electoral circuits are created for the holding of elections of deputies of the House of Representatives on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. Electoral circuits are created with an approximately equal number of electors: deviation of the number of electors in the electoral circuit may not exceed 10 percent.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 15: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: Electoral circuits for the elections of deputies of the House of Representatives are created by the Central Commission upon submissions of the regional and the Minsk City Executive Committees.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 16: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
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 President is the head of state, elected directly by the people of the Republic of Belarus. The elections shall be deemed to have taken place where over half the citizens of the Republic of Belarus on the electoral roll have taken part in the poll. The President shall be deemed elected where over half the citizens of the Republic of Belarus who took part in the poll voted for him. Where no candidate polls the requisite number of votes, within two weeks a second round of voting shall be conducted between the two candidates who obtained the largest number of votes. The presidential candidate who obtains more than half the votes of those who took part in the second poll shall be deemed to be elected.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 79, 81 & 82: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
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: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 106: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President of the Republic of Belarus shall be the Head of the State, the guarantor of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, the rights and freedoms of man and of the citizen.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 79–89: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Parliament consists of two chambers - the House of Representatives and the Council of the Republic.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 90: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: Elections of , deputies of House of Representatives are free and are held on the basis of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret voting.
Elections of the deputies of the House of Representatives are held at single electoral circuits.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 87: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
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 e . Other
Comments: Electoral Code, art. 2:
Legal basis of electoral system, of referendum is constituted by the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, this Code and other acts of legislation of the Republic of Belarus, resolutions of the Central Commission of the Republic of Belarus on Elections and Holding Republican Referendums.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 64–78: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 2: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections d . Referendums
Comments: This Code regulates relations arising when preparing and holding elections of the President of the Republic of Belarus, elections and recall of deputies of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, of members of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus (hereinafter – Council of the Republic), of deputies of local Councils of Deputies of the Republic of Belarus, as well as while preparing and holding a referendum (popular vote) and establishes guarantees ensuring free will of the citizens of the Republic of Belarus.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 1: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Citizens of the Republic of Belarus shall have the right to vote freely and to be elected to state bodies on the basis of universal, equal, direct or indirect suffrage by secret ballot.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 38 & 65: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 5: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
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: Powers of the Central Commission: 26) consider appeals against decisions of election commissions and take decisions on them;
27) consider appeals of citizens and organizations on issues of holding of elections;
33) exercise other powers in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Belarus. Decisions of the Central Commission may be appealed against in the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus in the cases provided for by the legislation of the Republic of Belarus.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 79: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
Electoral Management
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: The Central Commission is a state body, organizing within the bounds of its powers preparation and holding of elections of the President of the Republic of Belarus, deputies of the House of Representatives, members of the Council of the Republic, deputies of local councils of deputies, holding of republican referenda.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 26: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Expenditures for preparation and holding of elections shall be covered by the State within the limits of the funds assigned for this purpose. In instances determined by the law, expenditures for preparation and holding of elections may be covered at the expense of funds of public associations, enterprises, institutions, organisations and citizens.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 70: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 48: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Central Commission within its competence:
- makes up and approves estimates of costs for the holding of elections, a republican referendum or recall of a deputy of the House of Representatives
- informs the House of Representatives on spending funds allocated from budget for holding of elections, republican referendum, recall of a deputy of the House of Representatives; and publishes the report on the use of funds from the non-budgetary fund.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 48: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
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: Term of powers of the Central Commission is 5 years and begins from the day of its formation in legally capable membership.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 71: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 32: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 71: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
b . 11 - 20 members (specify)
Comments: The Central Commission is formed with 12 persons from the citizens of the Republic of Belarus.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 32: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
c . Combination of partisanship and expertise
Comments: The Central Commission is formed with 12 persons from the citizens of the Republic of Belarus, having, as a rule, higher juridical education and experience in organizing and holding elections and referenda.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 32: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State e . Legislature
Comments: Six members of the Central Commission are appointed by the President of the Republic of Belarus and six members are elected by the Council of the Republic. Candidates to the members of the Central Commission are recommended respectively to the President of the Republic of Belarus and to the Council of the Republic by joint decisions of the presidiums of regional, Minsk City Councils of Deputies and regional, Minsk City executive committees.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 32: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
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: Central Election Commission of Belarus: http://www.rec.gov.by/ru
Verified: 2023/09/13
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: Central Election Commission of Belarus: http://www.rec.gov.by/ru
Verified: 2023/09/13
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: Central Election Commission of Belarus: http://www.rec.gov.by/ru
Verified: 2023/09/13
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Elections of deputies and other persons elected to state offices by the people shall be general: citizens of the Republic of Belarus who have reached the age of 18 shall be eligible to vote.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 64: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 4: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
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: Citizens shall have the right to vote freely and to be elected to state bodies on the basis of universal, equal, direct or indirect suffrage by secret ballot.
Citizens who are deemed incapable by a court or kept in places of confinement in accordance with a court sentence, and persons in respect of whom detention is selected under the procedure established by the criminal procedural legislation shall not take part in elections.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 38 & 64: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 4: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
e . Other
Comments: Lists of the citizens having the right to participate in elections of the President of the Republic of Belarus, deputies of the House of Representatives, deputies of local Councils of Deputies, referendum, in voting on the recall of a deputy of the House of Representatives, deputy of local Councils of Deputies shall be drawn up for every voting precinct and be signed by the chairperson and the secretary of the precinct commission.
City, rural, settlement executive committees, and in the cities with district division – local administrations, district executive committees in the cities and urban-type settlements where the city and settlement executive committees are not created, ensure recording of participants and transfer to the precinct commissions of lists of the citizens of the Republic of Belarus registered on the territory of the respective voting precincts and having the right to participate in elections, referendum, voting on recall of a deputy signed by the chairperson of respective executive committees, and in the cities with district division – by the heads of local administrations.
Lists of the citizens who are military personnel being in military units, as well as the members of their families and other voters, participants of referendum residing in the areas where military units are located shall be drawn on the basis of the data submitted by commanders of the military units. Servicemen residing outside military units are included into the lists of citizens having the right to participate in elections, referendum, voting on recall of a deputy, at the place of residence on common terms.
Lists of the citizens having the right to participate in elections, referendum, voting on recall of a deputy by the polling stations created in sanatoriums, preventoriums, rest houses, hospitals and other healthcare organizations providing in-patient medical assistance are drawn on the basis of the data being submitted by heads of the mentioned institutions.
Lists of the citizens having the right to participate in elections of the President of the Republic of Belarus, deputies of the House of Representatives, in republican referendum, by the voting precincts created outside the Republic of Belarus are drawn on the basis of the data submitted by the heads of diplomatic representations (consular institutions) of the Republic of Belarus acting on the territory of respective foreign states.
Surnames of citizens in the list are indicated in the order convenient to hold voting.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 13: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Lists of the citizens having the right to participate in elections shall be drawn up for every voting precinct and be signed by the chairperson and the secretary of the precinct commission.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 19: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
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: Nomination of candidates for deputies of the House of Representatives from political parties is carried out by the supreme bodies of political parties.
Nomination of candidates for deputies of the regional, Minsk City, district and city (in the cities of regional subordination) Councils of Deputies from political parties is carried out respectively by their regional, Minsk city, district and city governing bodies of regional, Minsk city, district, city organizational structures created in the established order prior to the calling of elections.
Nomination of candidates for deputies of the city (in the cities of regional subordination), settlement or rural Councils of Deputies from the political parties is carried out respectively by governing bodies of district, city organizational structures created in the established order prior to the calling of elections. Candidates for deputies of the city (cities of district subordination), settlement and rural Councils of Deputies may be nominated by the primary organizations of political parties created in the established order on the territory of those local Councils of Deputies prior to the calling of elections.
A political party is entitled to nominate for each electoral circuit for elections to the House of Representatives and the respective local Council of Deputies only one deputy from the members of that political party.
The list of registered political parties is submitted by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus to the Central Commission not later than five days after the calling of the elections.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 62: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
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
b) Permanent residency
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 92: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 57: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: Candidates for the President of the Republic of Belarus are be nominated by citizens of the Republic of Belarus provided the signatures of not less than 100 thousand voters have been collected.
Nomination of candidates for the President of the Republic of Belarus starts 80 days and ends 50 days prior to the elections.
The right to nominate candidates for deputies belongs to political parties registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus not later than six months before the appointment of election, labour groups as well as citizens by way of gathering signatures.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 60: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
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.
Political parties are not entitled to provide other material aid during the preparation and the holding of elections except for contributing monetary funds into the non-budgetary fund and electoral funds of candidates for the President of the Republic of Belarus, of deputies.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 46 & 48: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 46: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Political parties, other public associations, organizations and citizens of the Republic of Belarus are not entitled to provide other material aid during the preparation and the holding of elections or referendum except for contributing monetary funds into the non-budgetary fund and electoral funds of candidates for the President of the Republic of Belarus, of deputies, specified by part one of this Article.
Direct or indirect participation in financing and other material aid of foreign states and organizations, foreign citizens and stateless persons, international organizations, organizations the founders (participants, owners of property) of which are foreign states, foreign organizations, international organizations, foreign citizens and stateless persons during preparation and holding of elections, referendum, recall of a deputy, member of the Council of the Republic is prohibited.
Use by a person nominated a candidate for the President of the Republic of Belarus, to deputies or by a candidate for the President of the Republic of Belarus of financial means or other material aid in violation of the requirements of part nine of this Article entails respectively the denial of registration of the candidate or revocation of the decision on his registration.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 48: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes 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: Opening of the ballot boxes and counting of votes when holding the elections carried out in the following order: first the ballots kept in the ballot box used during early voting shall be counted, then those kept in portable boxes used for voting at the place of location of voters or participants in the referendum and, after that, in ballot boxes kept on the day of elections or referendum in the room of the voting precinct. The results of counting of votes are announced by the chairperson of the commission.
Counting of votes of the voters shall be performed directly by the members of the precinct commission without interruption till obtaining the results of the voting.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 55: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
c . Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions d . By request
Comments: In case of detection of mistakes and irregularities in the protocols of precinct, territorial or circuit electoral commissions as well as of other violations committed in the course of voting or during the count of votes, the regional, Minsk city territorial electoral commission, on its own initiative or the application of the candidate, is entitled to take a decision on a recount of votes by the respective territorial or circuit electoral commission.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 79, 83: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
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: The state mass media, mass media partially financed from the state budget or local budgets as well as mass media, one of the founders of which is state bodies or organizations, are obliged to provide equal opportunities for electoral statements of candidates, publishing and promulgation of issues, texts of draft laws put forward for referendum, holding the agitation on elections, referendum.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 46: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: The Central Commission reserves a part of the limit time as to hold TV debates of the candidates for the President of the Republic of Belarus, deputies of the House of Representatives. The TV debates are held upon agreement of the candidates. The candidate is entitled to authorize an authorized person to participate in the TV debates. Failure to participate in the TV debates shall not result in increase of broadcasting time provided to the candidate for free.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 46: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/ ;
Three presidential contenders agree to take part in TV debates. Euroradio. 17 sep 2015: https://euroradio.fm/en/three-presidential-contenders-agree-take-part-tv-debates
Verified: 2023/09/13
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
c . 4-5 days
Comments: Within the last five days prior to the elections it is not allowed to publish the results of public polls related to the elections, referendum, forecasts of their results.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 46: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
ME080
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: 2023/09/13
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: Citizens of the Republic of Belarus shall have the right to participate in settlement of state affairs, both directly and through freely elected representatives.
Article 37. The direct participation of citizens in administration of affairs of the society and the State shall be safeguarded by holding referenda, discussion of draft laws and issues of republican and local significance, and by other means specified by law.
Article 73. Republican and local referenda may be held to resolve the most important issues of the State and society.
Article 74. Republican referenda shall be called by the President of the Republic of Belarus on his own initiative as well as on the proposal of the House of Representatives and the Council of the Republic passed at their separate sittings by a majority of votes of the composition (full composition) of each House established by the Constitution, or on the proposal of no less than 450 thousand citizens eligible to vote, including no less than 30 thousand citizens from each of the regions (oblasts) and the city of Minsk.
The President shall, after the submission in accordance with the law for his consideration of the proposals on holding the referendum of the House of Representatives and the Council of the Republic or of the citizens, call a republican referendum.
The date of referendum shall be set no later than three months from the day of issuing the edict of the President on holding the referendum.
The decisions adopted by the republican referendum shall be signed by the President of the Republic of Belarus.
Article 75. Local referenda shall be called by the corresponding local representative bodies on their initiative or on the proposal of no less than ten percent of the citizens eligible to vote and residing in the corresponding territory.
Article 76. Referenda shall be held by means of universal, free, equal and secret ballot.
Citizens of the Republic of Belarus eligible to vote take part in referenda.
Article 77. The decisions adopted by a referendum may be abolished or changed only by means of another referendum, unless the referendum determines otherwise.
Article 78. The procedure of holding republican and local referenda and a list of issues that may not be put to a referendum shall be determined by the law of the Republic of Belarus.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 37, 73–78: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The decision adopted by the referendum is signed by the President of the Republic of Belarus and is subject to the immediate and obligatory official publication after its signing.
The decision adopted by the referendum enters into force in 10 days after its official publication, unless other term is established therein.
The date of adoption of the decision by the referendum is deemed to be the date of the referendum.
Legal force of the decision adopted by a referendum is determined by the edict of the President of the Republic of Belarus on calling the referendum.
The decisions adopted by the referendum may be cancelled or changed only by means of a referendum, unless otherwise determined by the referendum.
If implementing the decision, adopted by the referendum, requires the issuance of a legal act, such act shall be adopted within five months from the date of entry into force of the decision adopted by the referendum.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 74: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 123 & 124: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2023/09/13
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: In case an initiative to hold the republican referendum is put forward by the citizens, they form a group for holding the referendum (hereinafter referred to as the «initiative group»), which includes not less than 100 citizens, enjoying voting right, from each region and the City of Minsk on the basis of approximately equal representation.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 74: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 114: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/ ;
International IDEA – Direct Democracy database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/72/45
Verified: 2023/09/13
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/ ;
International IDEA – Direct Democracy database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/72/45
Verified: 2023/09/13
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: On the basis of a presentation made by the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Belarus on the violations committed in the course of the referendum, the Central Commission has the right to take a decision on either holding a repeated voting, within one month, in the voting precincts and other territories, where violations were committed, or on holding a repeated voting within one year over the entire territory of the Republic of Belarus.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 129–152: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/ ;
International IDEA – Direct Democracy database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/72/45
Verified: 2023/09/13
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: The decisions adopted by the republican referendum shall be signed by the President of the Republic of Belarus.
The decision adopted by the referendum is signed by the President of the Republic of Belarus and is subject to the immediate and obligatory official publication after its signing.
The decision adopted by the referendum enters into force in 10 days after its official publication, unless other term is established therein.
The date of adoption of the decision by the referendum is deemed to be the date of the referendum.
Legal force of the decision adopted by a referendum is determined by the edict of the President of the Republic of Belarus on calling the referendum.
The decisions adopted by the referendum may be cancelled or changed only by means of a referendum, unless otherwise determined by the referendum.
If implementing the decision, adopted by the referendum, requires the issuance of a legal act, such act shall be adopted within five months from the date of entry into force of the decision adopted by the referendum.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 74: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 123 & 124: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
DD130
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: The issues, which may be submitted to a republican referendum, include the most important issues of the state and public life of the Republic of Belarus.
The issues, which may be submitted to a local referendum, include the most important issues for the population of respective administrative territorial units, which fall within the competence of the respective local Councils of Deputies, and executive and administrative bodies.
The following issues may not be submitted to the republican referendum:
any issues which may lead to violation of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Belarus;
any issues concerning the elections and dismissal of the President of the Republic of Belarus and appointment (election or dismissal) of officials whose appointment (election or dismissal) is within the competence of the President of the Republic of Belarus and the Chambers of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus;
any issues on adopting and amending the budget and introducing, changing and cancelling taxes (duties); and
any issues on amnesty or pardon.
The issues, which may not be submitted to the local referendum, include those specified in the part three of this Article, the issues of importance for the Republic of Belarus as a whole, and the issues, relating to approval and dismissal of officials, which are within the competence of a respective local executive and administrative body or the head of such body.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 112: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Local referenda shall be called by the corresponding local representative bodies on their initiative or on the proposal of no less than ten percent of the citizens eligible to vote and residing in the corresponding territory.
The issues, which may be submitted to a local referendum, include the most important issues for the population of respective administrative territorial units, which fall within the competence of the respective local Councils of Deputies, and executive and administrative bodies.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 75: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 112: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
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: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 51 & 54: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
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: ODIHR Election Observation Mission. Final Report. Early Parliamentary Elections 17 Nov 2019. P. 12: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-early-parliamentary-elections-final-report/
Verified: 2023/09/13
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates
Comments:
Source: ODIHR Election Observation Mission. Final Report. Early Parliamentary Elections 17 Nov 2019. P. 12: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-early-parliamentary-elections-final-report/
Verified: 2023/09/13
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: Every voter shall vote personally, voting by other persons are not allowed.
The ballot is issued to the voter, participant of the referendum by a member of the precinct commission on the basis of the list of citizens having the right to participate in elections after submission of the passport of citizen of the Republic of Belarus or other document determined by the Central Commission. When receiving the ballot the voter shall put a signature in the relevant line of the indicated list.
The ballot is filled in a booth or a room for secret voting. When the ballot is being filled in, the presence of anybody other than the voter is prohibited.
The voter or the participant in the referendum who has no opportunity to fill the ballot by himself is entitled to invite to the cabin or room for secret voting another person at his discretion, except for members of the precinct and superior commissions, candidates for the President of the Republic of Belarus or for deputies or their authorized persons as well as persons mentioned in part four of Article 13 of this Code.
When voting during the elections, the voter puts any sign in an empty square placed on the right from the surname of the candidate he votes for. If the voter votes against all candidates, he puts any sign in an empty square placed on the right from the line ― “Against all candidates”. When voting during the referendum, if the participant in the referendum votes for the issue put forward for the referendum (draft decision), he puts any sign in the square under the word “for” and when votes against the issue put forward for the referendum (draft decision) he puts any sign under the word ”against”. The voter who votes on the recall of a deputy puts any sign in the square under the words ”for recall” whereas the one voting against the recall of a deputy puts any sign in the square under the words “against recall”.
If the ballot contains the surname of only one candidate, when voting for the candidate the voter puts any sign in the square under the word “for”, and if voting against the candidate he puts any sign in the square under the word “against”.
The voter or participant in the referendum casts the filled ballot into the ballot box.
When two or more referendums are held at the same time, the voter shall receive and fill a ballot for each of them and cast them to the ballot box.
In case the voter or the participant in the referendum thinks he has made a mistake when he filled the ballot he is entitled to address the member of the precinct commission who issued the ballot with a request to issue to him a new ballot instead of the spoiled one. The member of the precinct commission having received the spoiled ballot, which shall have the personal signature of the voter or the participant in the referendum, issues to the elector or the participant in the referendum a new ballot and makes a note thereabout in the list of citizens who have the right to take part in elections, referendum or voting on the recall of a deputy against the surname of the voter or the participant in the referendum who has made a mistake. The spoiled ballot is cancelled and the act thereabout shall be composed and signed by the chairperson or the deputy chairperson or the secretary and two members of the precinct commission.
Source: Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 52: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
Verified: 2023/09/13
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