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NIGERIA
Senate
PRESIDENCY OF THE PARLIAMENTARY CHAMBER

Compare data for parliamentary chambers in the Presidency module

Parliament name National Assembly
Structure of parliament Bicameral
Chamber name Senate
Related chamber (for bicameral parliaments) House of Representatives
APPOINTMENT AND TERM OF OFFICE
Title President of the Senate
Term - duration: 4 years (term of House)
- reasons for interruption of the term: resignation, death, dissolution
Appointment - elected by all the Senators
- election is held at the first sitting of the newly elected Senate or when a vacancy occurs
- after validation of mandates
- before Members are sworn in
Eligibility - only a Senator can be elected
- candidatures must be submitted by a third party who is himself a Senator
- candidatures must be supported by another Senator
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. Simple majority is required
- if more than two candidatures are submitted : a vote by secret ballot is held. The candidates who obtains the majority is elected. In case of a tie, the candidate with the fewest vote is eliminated and new round voting is held
Procedures / results - the Clerk presides over the Senate during the voting
- the Clerk announces the results without any delay
STATUS
Status - in the absence of the President, the Vice President can assume his/her role and functions
Board
Material facilities
FUNCTIONS
Organization of parliamentary business - convenes sessions, in exceptional case only
- organizes the debates and sets speaking time
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 Senate
- takes disciplinary measures in the event of disturbance, and lifts such measures
- establishes the list of speakers, gives and withdraws permission to speak
- 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 Senate
Special powers - is responsible for safety, and in this capacity, can call the police in the event of disturbance in the Senate
Speaking and voting rights, other functions - takes part in voting, only in a case of a tied vote

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