The President of Belarus will be able to become a “senator for life”, as well as introduce a state of emergency in the event of mass riots – the draft of the new Constitution

Belarus unveiled project changes to the Constitution. The document, in particular, says that the limitation on the number of presidential terms will come into effect after the inauguration of the newly elected president. A referendum on the amendments should take place no later than February 2022, before that a public discussion will take place.

It also states that the president can be removed from office by the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly in the event of a systematic or gross violation of the Constitution or committing high treason, or other grave crime (now the president can only be prematurely dismissed by parliamentary decision in case of persistent inability for health reasons.

According to the draft, the president will be able to impose a state of emergency in the event of attempted riots, “mass and other” riots (now this is possible in the event of a natural disaster, catastrophe, as well as riots with violence or threat of violence, as a result of which there is a danger to the life and health of people , territorial integrity and the existence of the state).

The document also notes that the president who has ceased to exercise his powers will be able to become a senator for life, and the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly is presented as “the highest representative body of democracy.”