The referendum will be held on February 27.
On Thursday, January 20, the self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree appointing a referendum on amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus for February 27, 2022.
This is reported by the Belarusian state agency BelTA.
The question to be put to the vote will be: “Do you accept amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus?”
The amendments proposed by Lukashenka himself stipulate that the same person will not be able to hold the post of president of the country for more than two 5-year terms. Since such restrictions will take effect after the newly elected president takes office, Lukashenka will be able to become president for another ten years if he wins the next election.
After the expiration of the term of office, the President can become a life member of the upper house of Parliament. In addition, according to the proposed amendments, “a president who has terminated the exercise of his powers cannot be held accountable for actions committed in connection with the exercise of presidential powers.”
The decision of the referendum is legally binding — 10 days after the Central Election Commission publishes its results, these changes should come into force and become part of the provisions of the Belarusian Constitution.
Recall that the self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko does not rule out the possibility of holding early presidential elections. However, this can happen only after amendments to the Belarusian constitution.
