Łukašenka signs All-Belarusian People’s Assembly bill into law

February 8, BPN. Alaksandr Łukašenka signed the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly bill into law on February 7, his press office reported.

It sets out procedures for the Assembly’s convocation, specifying its powers and competencies.

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 Assembly will approve domestic and foreign policies, military doctrine, national security, as well as social and economic development. It will also be able to propose constitutional amendments and rule on the legitimacy of elections.

The National Assembly, a two-chamber parliament formed of hand-picked “yes” men and women, approved the bill in January.

The Council of Republic, its upper chamber, said the Assembly will have a “stabilizing and consolidating” role in Belarusian society.

Critics say that All-Belarusian People’s Assembly delegates are likely to be picked by the executive branch from among tried-and-true regime supporters.