The democratic forces have presented the comprehensive New Belarus Transition Strategy and drafts of key laws that will form the foundation for transforming the country after the change of power. From the Constitution and judicial reform to a new model of local self-government and a green economy, this is a plan to build a free, fair, and sustainable state where the government serves the people and the rights and dignity of every individual are protected.
A Positive Alternative for Belarus
- New Belarus Transition Strategy
The New Belarus Transition Strategy is a roadmap for democratic transformation. The document both outlines a vision for the future and answers the key question of how we will get there from the moment the transition of power begins. The strategy is based on a deep analysis of Belarusian realities, the experience of democratic transitions in other countries, and numerous consultations with experts, activists, and political leaders. It considers the key conditions for starting the transition, scenarios for regime transformation, the logic of actions at the early stage, and the first steps of the new government. It describes in detail the restoration of legality and legitimacy, the launch of constitutional reform, the formation of transitional institutions, ensuring security, preventing chaos, and maintaining state functions. The strategy provides for the rehabilitation of political prisoners, the return of Belarusians from exile, and the launch of reforms in the economy, judicial and law enforcement systems, education, media, and local self-government. The strategy also emphasizes preparations for democratic elections, which should consolidate the results of the transition and lay the foundation for the long-term sustainability of the new political system.
New Belarus Transition Strategy (BY)
New Belarus Transition Strategy (RU)
Draft Laws
- Draft Constitution of the New Belarus
The Draft Constitution of the New Belarus is the result of years of work by the democratic forces, experts, and thousands of Belarusians united to create a just, free, and democratic country. Inspired by the 1994 Constitution and the 2007 draft law “On the System and Powers of State Authorities and Local Self-Government Bodies” (the so-called Small Constitution), the new version proposes a transition from an authoritarian presidential system to a parliamentary republic in which power belongs to the people and human rights and freedoms are guaranteed and protected. The draft focuses on fair elections, real separation of powers, an independent judiciary, transparent self-government, the abolition of the death penalty, and respect for the dignity of every person.
Draft Constitution of the New Belarus (BY)
Draft Constitution of the New Belarus (RU)
Draft Constitution of the New Belarus (EN)
- Draft Statute of the Sojm (Parliamentary Rules of Procedure)
The Statute of the Sojm is the core document defining what the parliament in the New Belarus will be like – open, accountable to society, and truly representative. Unlike the current Rules of Procedure, the Statute strengthens the independence of the parliament from the executive branch, introduces principles and mechanisms based on political diversity and respect for the opposition, ensures MPs have the conditions for honest work, and increases their accountability to the public.
Statute of the Sejm (RU)
Statute of the Sejm (BY)
The Parliament of the Future: What the Sojm in the New Belarus Could Be
- Draft Organic Law “On the President of the Republic of Belarus”
The draft law “On the President of the Republic of Belarus” proposes a new model of presidential power in a parliamentary republic. For the first time, it defines the status of a president-elect before taking the oath, introduces the countersignature mechanism, and abolishes the “presidential administration” as a parallel power structure.
The president is no longer the center of power but a representative of the state with clear responsibilities and transparent rules based on the Constitution and public trust.
Draft Organic Law “On the President of the Republic of Belarus” (BY)
Draft Organic Law “On the President of the Republic of Belarus” (RU)
President Without a Throne: How the New Draft Law Changes the Balance of Power (BY)
President Without a Throne: How the New Draft Law Changes the Balance of Power (RU)
- Draft Organic Law “On the Government of the Republic of Belarus”
The draft law “On the Government of the Republic of Belarus” proposes a new model of executive power, in which the prime minister is appointed by the parliament rather than by the president. The government becomes a political team with a mandate from the voters. The law strengthens oversight by the Sojm, requires public accountability, and mandates open discussions of key decisions. This is a step towards accountable, transparent, and citizen-oriented governance.
Draft Organic Law “On the Government of the Republic of Belarus” (BY)
Draft Organic Law “On the Government of the Republic of Belarus” (RU)
Executive Power Reform: Draft Law on the Government of Belarus (BY)
Executive Power Reform: Draft Law on the Government of Belarus (RU)
- Draft Organic Law “On Local Self-Government in the Republic of Belarus”
The draft law “On Local Self-Government in the Republic of Belarus” radically changes the approach to power at the local level and proposes a shift from a vertical system to genuine self-governance. It is based on the principles of decentralization and subsidiarity, with decisions made as close to the people as possible, and resources remaining where they are generated.
A new two-tier system is introduced: Communities and Counties, with clearly separated powers. Local Councils will be elected under a mixed electoral system, and the executive branch will be accountable to citizens.
This is not just a governance reform but a return of control over everyday life to the people, from the village school to the city budget. The new approach gives every Belarusian the right to be the master in their own home and on their own land.
Draft Organic Law “On Local Self-Government in the Republic of Belarus” (BY)
Draft Organic Law “On Local Self-Government in the Republic of Belarus” (RU)
New Belarus: How Local Self-Government Can Change Everyone’s Life (BY)
New Belarus: How Local Self-Government Can Change Everyone’s Life (RU)
- Draft Organic Law “On the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Belarus”
The draft law “On the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Belarus” lays the foundation for an independent and transparent body designed to be the true guarantor of the Constitution in the New Belarus. It introduces competitive selection, limited terms of office, and a ban on reappointment. It emphasizes accessibility. Any Belarusian will be able to file a constitutional complaint, and hearings will be open and public. This project is not just a legal reform but a step toward a new political culture, where the Constitutional Court becomes a real tool for protecting rights, not a political decoration.
Draft Organic Law “On the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Belarus” (BY)
Draft Organic Law “On the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Belarus” (RU)
Guardian of the Constitution: What the Draft Law on the Constitutional Court of Belarus Proposes (BY)
Guardian of the Constitution: What the Draft Law on the Constitutional Court of Belarus Proposes (RU)
- Draft Organic Law “On the National Judicial Council of the Republic of Belarus”
The draft law “On the National Judicial Council of the Republic of Belarus” proposes a new body that will become the main guarantor of judges’ autonomy and the independence of the judiciary. The Council will be formed on a parity basis: half of its members will be elected by judges themselves, and the other half by representatives of law schools, the bar, and human rights organizations. The bill establishes competitive judicial appointments, introduces regular performance evaluations, and provides mechanisms for protection against political pressure. For the first time in Belarusian law, it introduces its own disciplinary system with the possibility of appeal and creates a High School of Judges for training new personnel. This bill is not just an institutional innovation but an attempt to restore trust in justice and lay the foundation for an independent judiciary in the New Belarus.
Draft Organic Law “On the National Judicial Council of the Republic of Belarus” (BY)
Draft Organic Law “On the National Judicial Council of the Republic of Belarus” (RU)
Judicial Reform: How the Draft Law on the National Judicial Council Changes the Rules of the Game (BY)
Judicial Reform: How the Draft Law on the National Judicial Council Changes the Rules of the Game (RU)
- Draft Organic Law “On the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Belarus”
The draft law “On the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Belarus” proposes an independent institution that will serve as a systematic defender of citizens’ rights and freedoms in their relations with the state. In a context where existing bodies often fail to provide effective protection, the Commissioner would act as a mediator between the individual and the authorities, with the authority to visit closed institutions, investigate complaints, initiate parliamentary hearings, apply to the courts and the Constitutional Court, and propose changes to legislation. In essence, the bill establishes not just a new position but an entire institutional culture in which the state is obliged to hear the citizen’s voice, and the citizen has an accessible and clear mechanism to protect their rights.
Draft Organic Law “On the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Belarus” (BY)
Draft Organic Law “On the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Belarus” (RU)
Ombudsman in Belarus: Why the Country Needs a Human Rights Defender (BY)
Ombudsman in Belarus: Why the Country Needs a Human Rights Defender (RU)
- Draft Law “On Political Parties”
The draft law “On Political Parties” lays a new foundation for the formation and functioning of parties in the democratic system of the New Belarus. The document aims to remove artificial barriers that hinder political competition by simplifying party registration procedures, reducing the required number of founders, and introducing a system of state funding based on election results. The law establishes internal party democracy, requiring elected leadership, transparency of financing, and regular audits. At the same time, responsibility is strengthened: If a party does not participate in elections or violates financial reporting rules, it may be dissolved. This bill is a step toward creating genuine multi-party politics, where participation is a right, not a privilege, and parties are true representatives of citizens’ interests.
Draft Law of the Republic of Belarus “On Political Parties” (BY)
Draft Law of the Republic of Belarus “On Political Parties” (RU)
About the Draft Law “On Political Parties” (BY)
About the Draft Law “On Political Parties” (RU)
- Draft Law “On the Police”
The draft law “On the Police” proposes a comprehensive reform of the law enforcement system and a modern service-oriented police force focused on protecting human rights and freedoms, rather than repression and control. The new law abandons the repressive model of the Ministry of Internal Affairs inherited from the authoritarian regime and builds the police as a professional, accountable, and neutral institution. Oversight mechanisms are strengthened, a General Inspectorate is introduced, and the structure of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is reformed by eliminating bodies that perform functions not inherent to the police. The law proposes a new system where safety is ensured not through fear but through trust – where the police is a service for citizens, not an instrument of power.
Draft Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the Police” (BY)
Draft Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the Police” (RU)
Explanatory Note to the Draft Law “On the Police” (RU)
- Draft Organic Law “On Gender Equality”
The draft law “On Gender Equality” promotes a society in which all people, regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation, have equal rights and opportunities for personal growth, social mobility, and participation in decision-making, thereby contributing to the country’s sustainable economic and social development
Draft Organic Law of the Republic of Belarus “On Gender Equality” (RU)
- Draft Law “On the Prosecutor’s Office”
The draft law “On the Prosecutor’s Office” proposes a complete rethinking of the role of prosecution in the legal system of the New Belarus. Instead of being a tool of political pressure and punitive oversight, the Prosecutor’s Office would become a body ensuring the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and the interests of society. The law eliminates the general supervisory power that allowed interference in any sphere and focuses the prosecution’s functions on criminal prosecution, representing the state in court, and monitoring the observance of rights in places of detention. Clear accountability rules are established, along with competitive appointment of prosecutors, a ban on interference in the work of courts and self-government bodies, and the principle of transparency – mandatory publication of annual reports, open criteria for personnel decisions, and disciplinary responsibility. This bill transforms the Prosecutor’s Office from the pinnacle of the power pyramid into one of the guarantors of justice, human rights, and equality before the law.
Draft Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the Prosecutor’s Office” (RU)
- Draft Law “On the Bar”
The draft law “On the Bar” proposes an independent, professional, and self-governing bar association that will become a full-fledged part of the justice system in the New Belarus. Unlike the current law, which preserves the vertical subordination of the bar to the Ministry of Justice, the new version removes administrative state control and restores the autonomy of the legal profession. The draft law establishes equality of forms of legal practice – individual and collegial, as well as introduces democratic principles of self-governance through the national and regional bar chambers, guarantees genuine attorney–client privilege, and prohibits interference in a lawyer’s work. Entry to the profession will be governed by transparent and objective procedures, while disciplinary liability will be fair and independent of the executive branch. This bill not only modernizes professional standards but also returns the bar to its essential mission of defending human rights, ensuring fair trials, and serving society rather than the government system.
Draft Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the Bar” (RU)
- Planned Draft Laws in Furtherance of the New Belarus Transition Strategy
Several more draft laws are expected to be developed to further the New Belarus Transition Strategy, including:
- Electoral Code
- Code on the Judicial System and Status of Judges
- Draft law “On the Audit Chamber”
- Draft law “On the Committee for Oversight of Intelligence and Security Services”
- Draft law “On the Committee on Public Service Ethics and Anti-Corruption”
- Draft law “On Public Service”
- Draft law “On Public Associations”
- Draft law “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations”
- Draft law “On Trade Unions”
- Draft law “On Mass Media and Communications”
- Draft law “On Public Assemblies”
- Draft law “On Access to Public Information and Protection of Personal Data”
Reform Concepts
- Concept of Restitution for Persons Repressed during the A. Lukashenka Regime and Prevention of the Repetition of Serious Human Rights Violations
This concept is a strategic document that lays the moral and legal foundations for a future just Belarus. It focuses not only on restoring the dignity of victims but also on establishing institutional guarantees that mass repression, torture, political persecution, and impunity will never happen again. The concept proposes a phased system of compensation – both material and symbolic – for victims of political repression and their families. It covers a broad range of affected persons: from those imprisoned and dismissed for their civic stance to those forced into exile. A key element of the document is the principle “the state acknowledges guilt” – with public apologies, memorialization, and recognition of suffering. In addition, the concept envisages an independent body for restoring justice, the adoption of a special law, individual damage assessment, and the introduction of transitional justice mechanisms. This is not about the past but about the future. The concept seeks not only to heal historical trauma but also to create a new legal culture based on respect for human dignity and memory as a guarantee of non-violence.
- Lustration Concept for Belarus
The Lustration Concept for Belarus is a plan for the peaceful and fair dismantling of the authoritarian system, aimed not at revenge but at protecting the future democracy. The document proposes legally sound, individualized, and time-limited restrictions for those who committed serious abuses under the Lukashenka regime – including participation in repression, electoral fraud, torture, or the propagation of hatred. Unlike repressive models of the past, this concept focuses on honesty before society: it introduces a self-declaration mechanism whereby any candidate for public office must openly disclose their past. Those who lie or conceal involvement in regime crimes will be barred from holding protected public office. This approach is intended not to inflame conflict but to ensure that the New Belarus is built on principles of transparency, justice, and respect for human dignity.
Lustration Concept for Belarus (BY)
Lustration Concept for Belarus (RU)
- Belarus Green Economy Concept
The Belarus Green Economy Concept is a strategic document outlining a path to sustainable national development through environment-friendly modernization and a shift from a resource-dependent economy to a model where human health, ecosystem resilience, and innovation take priority. Unlike the old paradigm of “growth at any cost,” the green economy offers a different logic of development without destruction. The concept highlights key areas such as the decarbonization of energy, support for climate-neutral agriculture, environmentally friendly transport, waste management based on circularity and resource efficiency, biodiversity protection, and green building standards. It also envisions tax reform to incentivize environmentally responsible business, green public procurement, access to international climate finance, and a new institutional framework, including a Ministry of Sustainable Development. The document stresses that long-term economic and social stability is impossible without broad environmental and climate justice. The Green Economy Concept is the foundation of a future in which Belarus becomes part of the global green transition – not catching up, but leading.
Belarus Green Economy Concept (BY)
Belarus Green Economy Concept (RU)
Belarus Green Economy Concept (EN)
- Concept for the Transition from a Presidential to a Parliamentary System of Government in Belarus
The Concept for the Transition from a Presidential to a Parliamentary System of Government in Belarus outlines a profound and systemic reform of the state structure aimed at building a genuine democracy. At its core is the rejection of concentrated power in the hands of one person and a return to the principles of a parliamentary republic, as set out in the 1990 Declaration of State Sovereignty. An analysis of Belarusian experience and international examples shows that parliamentary systems promote greater accountability of power, foster political pluralism, and support more sustainable economic growth. The draft Constitution, developed under this concept, provides for a unicameral parliament (the Sojm), a government accountable to it, limited representative powers for the president, and control mechanisms ensuring a real balance between branches of power. The transition to a parliamentary model is seen as a path toward decentralization, strengthening the role of local self-government, restoring public trust, and overcoming the political crisis. This is a strategic choice that allows Belarusians to reclaim their right to govern the country through democratically elected and accountable institutions.
Concept for the Transition from a Presidential to a Parliamentary System of Government in Belarus (BY)
Concept for the Transition from a Presidential to a Parliamentary System of Government in Belarus (RU)
- Concept of Constitutional Reform of the Judiciary in Belarus
The Concept of Constitutional Reform of the Judiciary in Belarus proposes building a truly independent, impartial, and publicly accountable judicial system based on the separation of powers, procedural transparency, and the protection of human rights. It envisages an independent National Council of Justice, life tenure for judges, full access for citizens to constitutional complaints, strengthened roles of the Bar and the Human Rights Commissioner, as well as dismantled mechanisms of political pressure and oversight – such as Soviet-style prosecutorial powers. This concept restores the judiciary’s core function: to be a pillar of legality and justice, rather than an instrument of repression.
Concept of Constitutional Reform of the Judiciary in Belarus (BY)
Concept of Constitutional Reform of the Judiciary in Belarus (RU)
