The lower chamber of the Belarusian parliament adopted a bill tightening the requirements for the establishment and operation of parties in the country.

The draft will have to be approved by the upper house of parliament and then signed by the president before it enters into force.

Among the innovations of the bill are a significant increase in the minimum threshold of number (from 1 to 5 thousand people) when creating a party, the requirement to form organizational structures of parties in each region of Belarus and in Minsk, whereas now it requires at least 1000 founders (members) from most regions of Belarus and Minsk.

In addition, according to the project, a party can be founded only by citizens of Belarus, permanently residing in the country and aged 18 years or older. The governing body of the party must be elected at least once every five years. In addition, the document eliminates the ban on financing the parties from the republican or local budget.

According to the draft, grounds for liquidation of a party can be propaganda of war, terrorist, extremist and other activities prohibited by law, activities harmful to state and public interests, as well as receiving funds and other property from foreign sources.