| Parliament name |
National Parliament |
| Structure of parliament |
Unicameral |
| APPOINTMENT AND TERM OF OFFICE |
| Title |
Speaker of the National Parliament |
| Term |
- duration: 5 years (term of House)
- reasons for interruption of the term: resignation, death, dissolution
|
| 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
- after Members are sworn in and after validation of mandates
|
| Eligibility |
- any Member of the Parliament can be a candidate
- candidatures must be submitted by a third party who is himself a Member of the Parliament
- once submitted, candidatures must be supported by another Member of the Parliament
|
| Voting system |
- if only one candidature is submitted : the candidate is elected without a vote or debate
- if two candidatures are submitted : a vote by secret ballot is held. The candidate who obtain the majority is elected
- if more than two candidatures are submitted : a vote by secret ballot is held. The candidates who obtain the majority is elected. In the event of a tie, the candidate having obtained the least votes is eliminated and a new round of voting is held
|
| Procedures / results |
- the Clerk presides over the Parliament during the voting
- the Clerk supervises the voting
- the Clerk announces the results without any delay
|
| STATUS |
| Status |
- in the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker can assume his/her role and functions |
| Board |
- consists of the Speaker, one Deputy Speaker and four assistants
|
| Material facilities |
NA (no information received) |
| FUNCTIONS |
| Organization of parliamentary business |
- establishes and modifies the agenda, in the framework of the Standing Orders |
| Chairing of public sittings |
- can open, adjourn and close sittings, in the framework of the Standing Orders
- 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
- 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
- interprets the rules or other regulations governing the life of the Parliament
|
| Special powers |
- is responsible for safety, and in this capacity, can call the police in the event of disturbance in the Parliament |
| Speaking and voting rights, other functions |
- takes part in voting, only in the event of a tie |
