The Republic of Belarus exists within the framework of a presidential republic with several branches of government, though it is actually a functioning dictatorship.

Political System

The Republic of Belarus is considered a presidential republic, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Minsk. Belarus considers itself a democratic social state. The country declared its independence from the Soviet Union on August 25, 1991. During World War II, Minsk was liberated from German troops on July 3, 1944. Belarus officially celebrates its Independence on July 3.

Belarus’ current constitution was originally adopted on March 15, 1994. A national referendum on November 24, 1996 provided the president with greatly expanded powers. A second referendum on October 17, 2004 removed constitutional restrictions on presidential term limits. The document allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.

Administrative Regions

The Republic of Belarus consists of 6 provinces (voblastsi) and a single municipality (horad):

• Minsk (City)
• Brest Voblast
• Homyel Voblast
• Hrodna Voblast
• Mahilyow Voblast
• Minsk Voblast
• Vitsebsk Voblast

Executive Branch

The President is Belarus’ chief of state. This person is elected by popular vote to a five year term. Alexandr Lukashenko, the current President, was originally elected to the position on July 20, 1994. Lukashenko used a November 1996 referendum to extend his original term by two years. Lukashenko has since won the 2001 and March 2006 presidential elections amid charges of electoral fraud.

The head of government is the Prime Minister, appointed by the President. Sergei Sidorskiy, the current Prime Minister, began his official duties on December 19, 2003. First Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko also appointed by the President, took office in December 2003. Other Deputy Prime Ministers include Ivan Bambiza, Viktor Burya, Andrei Kobyakov, and Aleksandr Kosinets.

The current Council of Ministers includes:

• Agriculture and Food - Leonid Rusak
• Architecture and Construction - Alexander Seleznyov
• Communication and Information - Nikolai Pantelel
• Culture - Vladimir Marveichuk
• Defense - Leonid Maltsev
• Economy - Nikolai Zaichenko
• Education - Aleksandr Radkov
• Emergency Situations - Enver Barlev
• Energy - Alexander Ozerets
• Finance - Nikolai Korbut
• Foreign Affairs - Sergei Martynov
• Forestry - Pyotr Semashko
• Public Health - Vasily Zharko
• Housing and Communal Services - Vladimir Belokhvostov
• Industry - Anatoly Rusetsky
• Information - Vladiimir Rusakevich
• Internal Affairs - Vladimir Naumov
• Justice - Viktor Golovanov
• Labor and Social Protection - Vladimir Potupchik
• Natural Resources and Environmental Protection - Leonty Khoruzhik
• Tax Collection - Anna Delko
• Trade - Aleksandr Ivankov
• Transport and Communications - Vladimir Sosnovsky
• Sports and Tourism - Aleksandr Grigorov
• Statistics and Analysis - Vladimir Zinovsky

Legislative Branch

The Belorussian National Assembly is a bicameral body consisting of the 64-seat Council of the Republic, and the 110-seat Chamber/House of Representatives. Council of the Republic members are elected to four year terms. Regional councils elect 56 members of the Council, while the remaining eight are appointed by the President. Members of the Chamber of Representatives are elected by popular vote to four year terms.

Currently, all members of the legislative branch are pro-Lukashenko candidates. The last election was held in October 2004. International observers denounced the election as flawed and undemocratic due to massive government falsification after many opposition candidates were disqualified for technical reasons.

Judicial Branch

The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme and Constitutional Courts. Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President. Half the Constitutional Court justices are appointed by the President, and the other half by the Chamber of Representatives.

Legal System

The Belorussian legal system is based on civil law. The country has not accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction.

References

Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.

Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus Official Website.

Official Internet-Portal of the President of the Republic of Belarus.