1. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, a Communist who disbanded parliament last year when it would not increase his powers, has sought to silence opposition and civic organizations. 2. But disbanding the parliament is mandatory under the constitution upon a third rejection of his candidate for prime minister. 3. Deputies also voted to pay themselves wages through the end of the year even if the parliament is disbanded. 4. However, the same constitution forbids the president from disbanding the parliament once an impeachement vote is taken. 5. If the nomination fails on the third try, the president is obligated to disband the parliament and set early elections. 6. In December, he threatened to disband the parliament if Islamist members did not stop attacking his peace with Israel. 7. In oil-rich Kazakhstan, Nursultan Narzarbayev recently disbanded his parliament and has moved to extend his rule without the bother of general elections. 8. In previous confrontations, Yeltsin has threatened to disband parliament and call new elections, or has resorted to a national referendum. 9. In return, the president would promise not to disband the parliament. 10. In the event that parliament votes no confidence in the government twice within three months, the president must either get rid of his government or disband parliament. |