| Parliament name (generic / translated) |
Skupstina / Parliament |
| Structure of parliament |
Unicameral |
| APPOINTMENT AND TERM OF OFFICE |
| Title |
President of the Parliament |
| Term |
- Duration: 4 years (term of Chamber)
- Reasons for interruption of the term: resignation, loss of mandate as a member of the Chamber, dissolution of the Chamber, appointment to another office or position, conviction for illegal activities, change of majority in the Chamber, death.
- The Speaker can be removed by members of the Chamber before the end of his/her mandate by a majority vote.
- In cases where the Chamber is dissolved, the Speaker automatically loses his functions. |
| Appointment |
- The Speaker is elected by members of the Chamber.
- The election is held at the first session of the newly elected Chamber. |
| Eligibility |
- Only members of the Chamber are eligible.
- The Speaker's post is incompatible with any other public posts.
- Former Speakers may seek re-election. |
| Voting system |
- There is a formal notification process for the candidate defined in the Standing Orders of the Parliament.
- The Speaker is elected by secret ballot.
- A candidate who receives more than 50% of the votes is declared elected in the first round of voting. If no candidate is elected in the first round, additional rounds will be held. The process is repeated until one candidate obtains a majority. |
| Procedures / results |
- The oldest member of the parliament presides over and supervises the parliament during the voting held at its first session and announces the results. The youngest member of the parliament and the Secretary General may assist him/her in his/her duties.
- The results may be challenged. |
| STATUS |
| Status |
- The Speaker holds the second highest office in the State.
- The Speaker may act as the Head of State.
- In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker (Vice-President) assumes his/her role and duties. |
| Board |
- The Speaker is assisted by the Board (the Collegium).
- The Board is primarily a decision-making body.
- The Board is established according to the Standing Orders for 4 years (term of Chamber).
- The Board consists of the Speaker, the Deputy Speakers and the heads of parliamentary groups, including opposition groups. The Secretary General also participates in the work of the Board, and where necessary, the Chairs of certain committees.
- Meetings of the Board are convened by the Speaker, at his/her initiative or at the initiative of a parliamentary group. |
| Material facilities |
- Official car
- Security protection
- Additional staff: up to nine advisers |
| FUNCTIONS |
| Organization of parliamentary business |
The Speaker:
- convenes sessions,
- establishes and modifies the agenda, i.e. the programme and schedule of work,
- organizes the debates and sets speaking times,
- ensures proper organization of the work of the parliament;
- ensures timely and coordinated work of the working bodies of the parliament. |
| Chairing of public sittings |
The Speaker:
- opens, adjourns and closes sittings,
- ensures application of the Standing Orders,
- interprets the rules or other regulations governing the functioning of the parliament,
- makes announcements concerning the parliament,
- takes disciplinary measures in the event of a disturbance and lifts such measures,
- establishes the list of speakers,
- gives and withdraws permission to speak,
- calls for a vote,
- verifies the voting procedure,
- checks the quorum,
- cancels a vote in the event of irregularities.
- signs acts of parliament. |
| Special powers |
The Speaker:
- calls presidential elections,
- proposes candidates for appointment of the Secretary General,
- together with the President of Montenegro and the Prime Minister proposes candidates for appointment of the President of the Supreme Court,
- recruits, assigns and promotes advisers to the Speaker,
- represents the parliament in relations with foreign parliaments and bodies,
- is responsible for safety and discipline in the parliament and may call in the police in the event of a dispute in the parliament,
- as a member of the Defence and Security Council (together with the President and Prime Minister of Montenegro) plays a specific role in foreign affairs and defence matters,
The Speaker must be consulted in the event that the parliament is dissolved. |
| Speaking and voting rights, other functions |
The Speaker may:
- take the floor in legislative debates,
- take part in voting. |
