National and Local Assemblies

National and local assemblies are an important form of direct participation of citizens of the Republic of Belarus in public administration. These assemblies are convened to discuss the issues of the state and public life of national or local significance.

National and local assemblies are held in an open and transparent manner.

  • A national assembly is convened by the President of the Republic of Belarus to discuss issues of national significance and relevant draft decisions.

The citizens who have reached the age of 18 and are registered at their place of residence on the territory of the Republic of Belarus have the right to participate in national assemblies.

The President, the Prime Minister, heads of the most important state agencies, the deputies of the House of Representatives and the members of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus are invited to take part in national assemblies.

  • Local assemblies may be held on the territory of an administrative territorial unit or its part (the territory of microdistricts, blocks, streets, households, agrotowns, settlements, villages, etc.).

Citizens who have reached the age of 18 and are registered at their place of residence in the relevant area as well as citizens who are owners of real estate located on this territory or legally holding such property have the right to participate in local assemblies.

Participants of national and local assemblies have the right to discuss issues of national or local significance, put forward proposals thereon and make decisions.

National and local assemblies have the right to submit proposals to the President, the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers, other state bodies and other organizations and officials.

The decision of a national assembly is recorded in a resolution of the national assembly, which is forwarded to the President within three days.

The President studies the resolution of the national assembly and decides on the issues directly falling within his competence.

The national and local assembly procedure is regulated by the special Law of the Republic of Belarus No. 411-З of 12 July 2000 “On national and local assemblies”.