The nomination of candidates for the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus begins today and will continue until August 19 inclusive, according to BELTA.
The nomination of candidates for the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus begins today and will continue until August 19 inclusive, according to BELTA.
Candidates will be nominated by the presidiums of local councils of deputies of the basic level and relevant executive committees, and in Minsk – by the presidium of the Minsk City Council of Deputies and the Minsk City Executive Committee. Candidates for the Council of the Republic are registered with the Central Election Commission from August 20 to 24.
The elections of senators themselves will take place from August 25 to September 13 at the meetings of the local councils of deputies of the basic level of the regions, and deputies of the Minsk City Council of Deputies. Before the election of members of the Council of the Republic, the Central Election Commission provides a conclusion on the legality of their nomination. The election results must be finally summarised no later than September 30.
The Council of the Republic is one of the two chambers of the Parliament of Belarus. It consists of 64 members and is considered the chamber of territorial representation. Of these, 56 members are elected, and another 8 are appointed by the President of Belarus.
Any citizen of Belarus who has reached the age of 30 and has resided in the territory of the respective region or Minsk for at least five years can become a member of the Council of the Republic.
Those with a criminal record cannot be nominated as senators. Also, the same person cannot simultaneously be a member of both chambers of parliament. One cannot simultaneously be a member of the Council of the Republic and a member of the government. Holding the office of senator concurrently with the position of President or judge is not permitted.