Parliament name |
Parliament |
Structure of parliament |
Unicameral |
APPOINTMENT AND TERM OF OFFICE |
Title |
Speaker of Parliament |
Term |
- duration: 4 years (term of House)
- reasons for interruption of the term: resignation, death, dissolution
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Appointment |
- elected by all the Members of the Parliament
- the election is held at the first sitting of the newly elected Parliament or when a vacancy occurs
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Eligibility |
- any Member can be a candidate
- candidatures must be submitted by a third party who is himself a Member
- candidatures must be seconded by another Member
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Voting system |
- if only one candidature is submitted : the candidate is elected without a vote or debate
- if several candidatures are submitted : vote by secret ballot. The simple majority is required
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Procedures / results |
- the eldest Member presides over the Parliament during the voting
- the eldest Member announces the results without any delay
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STATUS |
Status |
- represents the Parliament with the public authorities
- represents the Parliament in international bodies
- in the absence of the Speaker, one the Deputy Speakers can assume his/her role and functions
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Board |
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Material facilities |
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FUNCTIONS |
Organization of parliamentary business |
- convenes sessions
- establishes and modifies the agenda
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Chairing of public sittings |
- can open, adjourn and close sittings
- ensures respect for provisions of the Constitution and Standing Orders
- makes announcements concerning the Parliament
- takes disciplinary measures in the event of disturbance, and lifts such measures
- establishes the list of speakers, gives and withdraws permission to speak
- establishes the order in which amendments are taken up and selects which amendments are to be debated
- checks the quorum
- authenticates the adopted texts and the records of debates
- interprets the rules or other regulations governing the life of the Parliament
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Special powers |
- is responsible for relations with foreign Parliaments
- is responsible for safety, and in this capacity, can call the police in the event of disturbance in the Parliament
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Speaking and voting rights, other functions |
- takes part in voting, in the event of a tie only |