July 1, 2004 BELARUSIAN LEGISLATURE AMENDS LAW ON POLITICAL PARTIES
The Chamber of Representatives on 30 June approved changes to the law on political parties, BelaPAN reported. The bill forbids dual party membership and party membership for legal entities. Under the amended law, to be legal a party must have a Minsk city branch and regional branches in at least four of the country's six regions. According to the new law, branches should be established within six months of the party's registration. Justice Minister Halavanau said that such a provision will prevent "an artificial increase" of party membership in particular regions. The bill bars political parties from receiving aid from foreign private individuals, foreign organizations, stateless or anonymous people, minors, and religious organization
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