§ Article 126(untitled)

ight of initiative to hold a local referendum
 The right of initiative to hold a local referendum belongs to local representative bodies and
citizens of the Republic of Belarus permanently residing in the territory of the relevant region,
district, city, district in a city, village, village council. Citizens' initiative is expressed in the form
of a proposal submitted by at least 10 percent of citizens who have the right to vote and live in
the relevant territory.
 If citizens put forward an initiative to hold a local referendum, they form an initiative group
from among the persons entitled to participate in the referendum, in the number of:
 in the region and the city of Minsk - at least 50 people;
 in a district, city, district within a city - at least 20 people;
 in a village or village council - at least 10 people.
 Documents on holding a local referendum, presented by the initiative group, and the issue
proposed for the referendum, are sent by the local executive and administrative body for
conclusion to the relevant regional, Minsk city justice body, which checks the compliance of the
issue submitted for the referendum with the requirements of the law and compliance with the
procedure for forming an initiative groups.
 The issue proposed for a local referendum, taking into account the conclusion of the
relevant regional, Minsk city justice body and the composition of the initiative group, is
registered by the relevant local executive and administrative body.
 Within 30 days from the date of application for registration, the initiative group is issued a
certificate of registration, a sample signature sheet, and members of the initiative group are
issued corresponding certificates.
 Registration of an initiative group to hold a local referendum is refused in case of violation
of the requirements of this Code and other acts of legislation. The refusal can be appealed
within a month by the head of the initiative group to the district or city court.
 If the executive and administrative body determines that the required number of valid
signatures has been collected, the initiative group for holding a local referendum draws up a
final act and submits it to the relevant executive and administrative body, which transmits it to
the local Council of Deputies.