Belarus’ MPs pass civil society, All-Belarusian People’s Assembly bills

January 25, BPN. The House of Representatives has passed bills concerning nonprofits, the Electoral Code and the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly on second reading, the lower chamber’s press office reported.

Constitutional amendments adopted in February 2022 refer to the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly as “the supreme representative body of democracy,” setting “strategic directions of development” and ensuring “the inviolability of the constitutional system.” It is to be formed of up to 1,200 delegates with a five-year mandate and convene at least once a year.

The civil society bill would govern non-governmental organizations’ relationship with the government, the House of Representatives said. Earlier, human rights defenders warned that it would establish a hierarchy of NGOs depending on their attitude toward authorities.

The amendments to the Electoral Code are designed to bring it in line with the updated constitution and other laws.

The bills have yet to be approved by the upper chamber of the Belarusian National Assembly and signed into law by Alaksandr Lukašenka.