Belarus flagPolitics & Government Guide

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Belarus

Belarus operates as a presidential republic under authoritarian rule led by President Aleksandr Lukashenka since 1994. The bicameral National Assembly holds limited power, with elections lacking genuine competition and opposition suppressed. International indices rank Belarus near the bottom for democracy, press freedom, and political stability.

Political Stability

Poor

Corruption Index

Poor

Democracy Index

Poor

Government Type

Presidential republic

Legal System

Civil law system

Head of State

President Aleksandr Lukashenka(since 1994)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko(Independent)since 2020

Political Indicators

Political Stability
-2.4Rank #190

Scale: -2.5 to 2.5

Very unstable

World Bank (2024)

Corruption Index
23Rank #140

Scale: 0-100

Transparency International (2024)

Press Freedom
24.4Rank #166

Scale: 0-100

Very serious

Reporters Without Borders (2025)

Democracy Index
1.99Rank #167

Scale: 0-10

Authoritarian regime

Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)

Legislature

Type:bicameral
Upper House:Council of the Republic (64 seats)
Lower House:House of Representatives (110 seats)

Major Political Parties

Belaya Rus(BR)

Pro-government

98 seats
Communist Party of Belarus(CPB)

Left-wing

7 seats

Voting Rights

Citizens aged 18 and older have the right to vote in elections.

Recent Developments

  • All-Belarusian People's Assembly held first session in 2024 with expanded powers under 2022 constitutional amendments
  • Ongoing political repression following 2020 protests and 2024 parliamentary elections criticized internationally
  • Constitutional reforms in 2022 strengthened role of All-Belarusian People's Assembly in governance
Voting Age18
SuffrageUniversal
Constitution1994
Provinces7