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SOUTH AFRICA
National Council of Provinces
PRESIDENCY OF THE PARLIAMENTARY CHAMBER

Compare data for parliamentary chambers in the Presidency module

Parliament name Parliament
Structure of parliament Bicameral
Chamber name National Council of Provinces
Related chamber (for bicameral parliaments) National Assembly
APPOINTMENT AND TERM OF OFFICE
Title Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces
Term - duration: 5 years (term of House)
- reasons for interruption of the term : removal by resolution of the National Assembly, resignation, dissolution of Parliament, death
Appointment - elected by all Members of the Council
- the election is held at the first sitting of the newly elected or whenever the office becomes vacant
Eligibility - any permanent Delegate may be a candidate, but formal notification of candidature is required
- nomination must be signed by 2 Members and the candidate
Voting system - formal vote by secret ballot in one round (or more if no candidate obtains a majority)
- majority is required for all the votes cast; in the event of equality of votes, a new round is held
Procedures / results - the Chief Justice, or judge nominated by him, presides over the Council during the voting
- the Chief Justice (who may appoint persons to assist him) supervises the voting
- the Chief Justice, or judge presiding, announces the results without any delay
- the results cannot be challenged
STATUS
Status - the President the National Council of Provinces and the Speaker of the National Assembly preside on monthly rotational basis over joint sittings of both Chambers
- represents the Council with the public authorities
- is ex officio Chairman of the Rules Committee
- in the absence of the President, the Vice President can assume his/her role and functions
Board
Material facilities NA (no information received)
FUNCTIONS
Organization of parliamentary business - convenes sessions, in consultation with the Leader of the House
- examines the admissibility of bills and amendments
- refers texts to a committee for study
Chairing of public sittings - can open, adjourn and close sittings
- ensures respect for provisions of the Constitution and Standing Orders
- makes announcements concerning the Council
- takes disciplinary measures in the event of disturbance, and lifts such measures
- establishes the order in which amendments are taken up
- 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
- interprets the rules or other regulations governing the life of the Council
- has discretionary power to give the floor outside the agenda and thus organizes impromptu debates
Special powers - sets policy within which the Council's budget is compiled
- delegates specified responsabilities to the Secretary of Parliament in recruiting, assigning and promoting staff
- responsible for policy in organizing the services of the Council
- is responsible for relations with foreign Parliaments, jointly with the Speaker of Assembly
- is responsible for safety, and in this capacity, can call the police in the event of disturbance in the Council
Speaking and voting rights, other functions - takes the floor in legislative debates
- takes part in voting only in event of equality votes
- may only intervene in the parliamentary oversight procedures to ensure observance of Rules

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