OREANDA-NEWS A referendum on amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic was held in Belarus. 65.16% of Belarusians voted for this step, and 10.07% voted against it. A total of 5,359,471 people, or 78.63%, took part in the referendum, the CEC of Belarus reported in its Telegram channel. The amendments relate to the presidential term, the definition of marriage, the development of nuclear energy, healthcare and a number of other issues.

The most important of the amendments is considered to be the consolidation of the status of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly (VNS) in the draft Constitution. This body has existed since 1996, but before the referendum it did not have a regulatory framework for its activities. The final version of the amendments is published on the website of the President of the Republic.

The VNS becomes the highest representative body of the country, which can overturn decisions of other authorities, impeach the president, appoint members of the Central Election Commission, as well as judges of the Supreme and Constitutional Courts, introduce laws to Parliament, appoint referendums, propose amendments to the Constitution, impose a state of emergency and martial law, consider the legitimacy of elections.

According to the amendments, the current president of the country, Alexander Lukashenko, after the end of his term, is guaranteed a place in the National Assembly, as well as life membership in the Council of the Republic. For ex-presidents, there are other security guarantees in the new document. For example, they cannot be prosecuted for actions committed during the performance of duties.

Presidential term. The same person can hold the presidency for no more than two terms, but this amendment will come into force after the elections in 2025. Thus, Lukashenka has the opportunity to be the head of state for another 10 years.

Marriage. The Constitution enshrines the definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

Nuclear power engineering. One of the articles was supplemented with a proposal according to which the country's desire to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes was fixed in the main document. "The Republic of Belarus develops nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, ensures safety in the production and use of nuclear energy," the new Constitution says.

The decision adopted at the referendum will come into force 10 days after the official publication. The CEC of Belarus has scheduled the final meeting of the referendum commission for March 3.