Supra-parliamentary representative bodies in Post-Soviet Eurasia: new powers of the “old” institutions

The article provides a comparative analysis of supra-parliamentary institutions in the states of Post-Soviet Eurasia (Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus). As a theoretical basis for the analysis, the concept of re-traditionalization of the political process is proposed, the study of which is based, in its turn, on the concept of a non-Western political process (L. Pye), the theory of plebiscite democracy (M. Weber) and the concept of conciliar representation (V. Sergeev, N. Biryukov). “Conciliarity” (“sobornost”) is understood as ensuring people’s representation for the approval of decisions already taken and their legitimization through broad popular representation without differentiation according to the party-political principle. It is shown that the supra-parliamentary bodies of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus have characteristic features of “conciliar” bodies.
The paper analyzes the genesis and transformation of supra-parliamentary bodies, their constitutional powers, current and potential role in the political process, and effectiveness criteria. The analysis methodology provides the identification of two categories of powers of supra-parliamentary bodies and their subsequent operationalization for the purpose of comparative study: formal status and powers; actual powers and role in the political process.
It is shown that the status of the supra-parliamentary bodies of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus has undergone a transformation from public assemblies to constitutional authorities, which have broad formal powers and play a significant role in the political process. As a result of the reform of the status of these bodies in 2021– 2023, they became the highest organs of people’s representation (plebiscite democracy) with broad powers. Their powers were enlarged at the cost of reducing the president’s powers. At the same time, there has been an actual strengthening of the role and influence of heads of state, even with a formal reduction in presidential powers due to the expansion of the powers of supra-parliamentary bodies in which the current or expresident plays a key role. This seems especially important in the context of presidential power transfer that has taken place (in Turkmenistan) or is expected (in Belarus and Kyrgyzstan). From this point of view, the criterion for the effectiveness of supraparliamentary bodies is the legitimization of presidential power and the ability to ensure stability in the conditions of power transfer to the new president.

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