Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: Work of constitutional commission should be transparent

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MINSK, 15 March (BelTA) – The work of the constitutional commission should be transparent and open, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with members of the commission on 15 March, BelTA has learned.

“The activities of the constitutional commission should be transparent and open. The commission should take on board people's initiatives, because the public should have confidence in the results of this work,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.

He noted that many proposals to amend the Constitution had already been submitted during public debate at dialogue platforms, as well as through the parliamentary dimension and during the preparations for the 6th Belarusian People's Congress. “Therefore, the main task of the constitutional commission is to arrange a broad discussion of the proposed amendments to our fundamental law,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “The publicity and transparency of the process will be ensured by mass media, as well as through electronic communication. Make active use of these tools,” the head of state added.

At the same time, Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that the current Constitution has not exhausted itself. “With this Constitution we have established ourselves as a sovereign, rule-of-law, independent, welfare state, and after more than 25 years this document is absolutely relevant. By the way, a recent opinion poll has proved it,” the president said. Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled that, according to this large-scale opinion poll, more than 65% of those polled do not deem it necessary to amend the Constitution.

“Each norm of the fundamental law should serve the main purpose - to preserve the country for our children and grandchildren,” the Belarusian leader said.

According to him, when adjusting the Constitution, of course, one should take into account the best international practices. “However, our national interests, political and legal traditions should have the top priority,” Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out. “This is not the first time we are doing this work. We can make use of not only international practices, but also our own extensive constitutional experience,” the president added.

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