The Constitution is the supreme law of the country. It cannot be the subject of bargaining, deception and political manipulation.
Hence, the Constitution can be adopted only after Lukashenka leaves. And it should be discussed not with the “delegates” of closed sessions selected by one person but with the people of Belarus.
One of the main functions of the Constitution is to limit any power by time, as well as by a system of checks and balances. Therefore, representatives of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on constitutional reform are working on the Draft Constitution in order to present it for public discussion.
Political Adviser Alexander Dabravolski identified 5 main principles and values of the new Constitution. Italics indicate those points that are presented in the current Constitution but are deliberately not observed while Lukashenka hangs on to power.
1. Authorities shall be accountable in its activity to people:
- periodic free elections and limiting the terms of office, for the president — two terms of 4 years);
- guarantees of the right to hold peaceful assemblies, meetings, protests;
- guarantees of freedom of speech, freedom of the press.
2. Separation of powers:
- independence of parliament, government and courts within their powers, a system of checks and balances against abuse of power;
- the president represents the country in international relations. Only his office is subordinate to the president, as well as the army in wartime;
- the government is responsible to parliament.
3. The rule of law, which guarantees the observance of the rights of citizens and serves their interests:
- all laws are adopted based on the principle of respect for dignity, freedom and human rights;
- all citizens shall be equal before the Law;
- all government bodies and civil servants are subject to the Law.
4. The law guarantees everyone the protection of the state:
- an independent court and the prohibition of interference by officials in court cases;
- the introduction of an ombudsman;
- guarantees of the right to legal assistance by representatives and lawyers at any time.
5. Local governance:
- citizens themselves choose the local authorities, which are independent in solving local problems;
- local authorities are accountable primarily to their residents;
- a significant part of taxes goes directly to local budgets.
