IPU Logo    INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION
>>> VERSION FRANÇAISE  
   HOME -> PARLINE -> BOTSWANA (National Assembly)
Print this pagePrint this page
PARLINE database new searchNew search
BOTSWANA
National Assembly
PRESIDENCY OF THE PARLIAMENT

Compare data for parliamentary chambers in the Presidency module

Parliament name Parliament
Structure of parliament Unicameral
APPOINTMENT AND TERM OF OFFICE
Title Speaker of the National Assembly
Term - duration: 5 years (term of House)
- reasons for interruption of the term: death, dissolution of Parliament, remove from office by a resolution of the Assembly supported by the two third of all the Members
Appointment - elected by the Members of the Assembly
- after Members' mandates are validated and after Members are sworn in
Eligibility - all Members of the Assembly and persons who are not Members, others than the President of the Republic, his Vice-President, Assistant Minister or Public Officer can be candidate
Voting system - formal vote by public ballot
- the method of voting is one man one vote
Procedures / results - the Clerk presides over the Assembly during the voting
- the Clerk supervises the voting
- the Clerk announces the results without any delay
- the results can be challenged
STATUS
Status - ranks fifth in the hierarchy of State, after the President of the Republic, the Vice-President, the President of the Court of Appeal and the Chief Justice
- represents the Assembly with the public authorities
- represents the Assembly in international bodies
- in the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker can assume his/her role and functions
if both are absent, the House will appoint one of the backbenchers to preside
Board
Material facilities - basic salary: P 5251.00
- Speaker's allowance: P 615.00
- entertainment: P 212.00
- duty travel: P 615.00
- official residence
- official cars
- Clerk of the National Assembly's staff
FUNCTIONS
Organization of parliamentary business - convenes sessions
- establishes and modifies the agenda
- organizes the debates and sets speaking time
- examines the admissibility of bills and amendments
- is the Chairman of the Committee of Selection
Chairing of public sittings - can open and adjourn sittings
- ensures respect for provisions of the Constitution and Standing Orders
- makes announcements concerning the Assembly
- 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, in accordance with the standing orders and rules of the House
- calls for a vote, decides how it is to be carried out, verifies the voting procedure and cancels a vote in the event of irregularities
- checks the quorum
- authenticates the adopted texts and the records of debates, through the Clerk's office
- interprets the rules or other regulations governing the life of the Assembly according to precedents
- has discretionary power to give the floor outside the agenda and thus organizes impromptu debates
Special powers - appoints the Clerk and all senior staff
- 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 Chamber
Speaking and voting rights, other functions - provides guidelines for the interpretation or completion of the text under discussion
- is the Presiding Officer for the promulgation of laws
- is the Presiding Officer in ensuring the constitutionality of laws

Copyright 1996-2016 Inter-Parliamentary Union