Parliament of Oceana

Rules of Procedure

1st Edition

November 2011

Foreword and Authors

Work on these Rules of Procedure for the Parliament of Oceana began on 30 June 2011 and was completed on 7 November 2011. After months of deliberation and conscientious effort from the dedicated commitment of a special committee tasked with the creation of these Rules of Procedure. Drawing influence from the Standing Orders and Rules of Procedure of a number of contemporary states and nations, these Rules are as much a homage to democracy as they are an experimentation into the mechanisms of the Parliamentary politics. It is the hope of the authors that the long hours of research and debate over the content of these Rules will allow the Parliament of Oceana to perform with efficiency and achieve peace and prosperity for the people of the Republic of Oceana. These are the Rules that will guide the Parliament during its most exuberant eras and its darkest hours. These are the first ever Rules of Procedure for the Parliament of Oceana. These Rules of Procedure were authored by an independent special committee chaired by Jani Helle. The membership of this committee was as follows:

Jani Helle, Alec Brasier, Ciara McAvoy, Pasi Autio and Andrew Foster
With thanks to Tiia Hurri and Matthew Sweeney The Rules of Procedure are henceforth maintained and updated by the Administration Committee of the Parliament of Oceana. Please send any comments and feedback about the document to the Speaker's Council at Oceana.Speaker@gmail.com.

______________________________________ Jani Helle

__________________________________ Alec Brasier

__________________________________ Ciara McAvoy

________________________ Pasi Autio

________________________ Andrew Foster

The Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of Oceana, formed in accordance with Chapter III of the Constitution of the Republic of Oceana, with the aim of laying down the rules for the organization and functioning of the Parliament and all its organs, shall hereby be adopted by the Parliament.
i

Contents
Chapter 1 General Provisions
1.1 1.2 1.3 Main Provisions Supremacy of the Constitution Definitions 1 1 1

Chapter 2 Members of Parliament

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 Members of Parliament Oath of Office Term of Office Loss of Status and Disqualification Vacancies Code of Conduct Rights and Responsibilities of Representatives Immunities of Representatives Withdrawal of Rights and Privileges 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3

Chapter 3 Officers of the Parliament

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Speaker of Parliament Clerk of Parliament Deputy Speakers Resignation of Parliamentary Officers Removal of Parliamentary Officers 3 4 4 5 5

Chapter 4 The Speaker's Council and Management of Business

4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 The Speaker's Council Members of the Speaker's Council Meetings and Procedure of the Speaker's Council Parliamentary Calendar Parliamentary Agenda 5 6 6 7 7

Chapter 5 The Prime Minister and the Government

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 Election of the Prime Minister Formation of the Government Programme of the Government Motions of No Confidence in the Prime Minister Motions of Confidence in the Prime Minister Immunities of the Prime Minister 7 8 8 8 9 9

Chapter 6 Meetings of Parliament

6.1 Session of Parliament 9

ii

6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 6.10 6.11

Meetings of Parliament First Meeting Following a General Election Parliamentary Recess Chairing of Meetings Quorum Agenda Announcement of Communications Topical Debates Witnesses and Documents Location

9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 11

Chapter 7 Conduct of Meetings

7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 Calling Speakers and Content of Speeches Order in the Chamber Suspension and Closure of Meetings by the Speaker Forms of Address Calculating the Length of Debates or the Number of Speakers Calling the Roll 11 11 11 12 12 12

Chapter 8 Parliamentary Committees

8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 Establishment of Committees Functions of all Committees Membership of Committees Committee Substitutes Administration Committee Finance Committee Domestic Affairs Committee Foreign Affairs Committee Defence Committee Duration of Committees Joint Consideration by Committees Sub-Committees and Investigative Committees Committee of the Whole Parliament 12 13 13 13 14 14 14 15 15 15 16 16 16

Chapter 9 Committee Procedures

9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 Conveners of Committees Procedure in Committee Participation by Substitutes Committee Meetings Witnesses, Documents and Advisers Reports and Proposals of Committees Annual Reports 16 17 18 18 18 18 18

Chapter 10 Motions and Points of Order

10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 Motions Notice of Motions Motions Taken by the Parliament Amendments to Motions and Notice of Amendments Amendments Taken by the Parliament Amendments to Amendments 19 19 19 20 20 20

iii

10.7 10.8 10.9 10.10 10.11 10.12 10.13 10.14 10.15

Application to Committees Motions of the Prime Minister Motions for Tax-Varying Resolutions Motion of Confidence and No Confidence Procedural Motions Motions for Closure or Extension of a Debate Motions for Adjournment of a Debate Motions for Adjournment and Closure of Meetings Point of Order

20 20 20 21 21 21 21 21 22

Chapter 11 Procedures and the Adoption of Legislation

11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 11.8 11.9 11.10 11.11 11.12 11.13 11.14 11.15 11.16 11.17 11.18 11.19 11.20 General Rules and Special Rules Types of Bills Introduction and Form of Bills Parliamentary Bills Committee Bills Government Bills Executive Bills Budget Bills Emergency Bills Stages of Bills Stage 1 (Introduction Stage) Stage 2 (Committee Stage) Stage 3 (Decision Stage) Representative in Charge Amendments to Bills Withdrawal of Bills Reconsideration, Referendum and Repeal of Laws Publishing of Bills Signature of Acts Adopted by Parliament Signing into Law and Promulgation 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 27 27 28 28 28 28 29

Chapter 12 Voting and Decisions of the Parliament

12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 Decision of the Parliament Right to Vote Manner of Voting and Recording of Votes Divisions Decision Time Decisions in Committees Simple, Absolute and Super Majority 29 29 29 30 30 31 31

Chapter 13 Statements and Parliamentary Questions

13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 Personal Statements Ministerial Statements Questions to the Government and the Executive Emergency Questions Question Time 31 31 31 32 32

Chapter 14 Parliamentary Confirmation

14.1 14.2 General Rules Confirmation of Chief Officials 32 33

iv

14.3 14.4

Confirmation of Cabinet Ministers Confirmation of Justices

33 33

Chapter 15 Openness and Accessibility

15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 15.8 Meetings in Public Public Access Access to the Chamber Petitions Admissibility of Petitions Action on Petitions Closing Petitions Notification 33 33 33 34 34 34 34 34

Chapter 16 Laying and Publication of Documents

16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 Laying of Reports and Other Documents Publication of Documents Classified Documents Relations with the Executive 35 35 35 35

Chapter 17 Reporting of Proceedings

17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 Minutes of Proceedings Recording the Roll Recording of Decisions Publication of Official Documents 35 35 36 36

Chapter 18 Review and Amending the Rules of Procedure

18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 Amendments to the Rules of Procedure Annual Review Committee Review Procedures for Amending the Constitution of the Republic 36 36 36 36

Chapter 19 Final Provisions

19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 Dissolution of the Parliament Interpretation and Suspension of the Rules of Procedure Ratification of the Rules of Procedure Entry Into Force 37 37 37 37

Chapter 20 Additional Documents

Chapter 1 General Provisions

Rule 1.1 Main Provisions 1. The Parliament of Oceana is established by the Constitution of the Republic of Oceana. 2. These Rules of Procedure establish the organization and functioning of the Parliament of Oceana, the Speaker's Council, the Government of Oceana, Parliamentary Committees and other bodies and officials of the Parliament. Rule 1.2 Supremacy of the Constitution 1. The Constitution of the Republic of Oceana shall always hold precedence over these Rules of Procedure of the Parliament. Rule 1.3 Definitions 1. The terms used in these Rules of Procedure shall have the following meanings: Absolute Majority: in voting, more than half of the total number of Representatives in Parliament. Act: a Bill adopted by the Parliament. Amendment: a proposal to substantively change, delete or add a provision to a Bill, the Rules, or the Constitution of the Republic. Bill: a proposal for a law submitted to the Parliament, through the Clerk of Parliament, for debate and approval. Budgetary Year: commencing from the 15th of January, the year for which the Budget approved by Parliament shall be in effect. Competent matters: matters within the remit of a Committee. Division: a vote wherein Representatives stand to physically express their vote, and the vote of each Representative shall be recorded. Executive: the office of the President of the Republic. Group Representative: a member of a Parliamentary Group in Parliament who has been chosen by their Group to represent them on the Speaker's Council. Government: the executive body of Parliament, consisting of the Prime Minister, Deputy Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers. Law: an Act of Parliament deemed binding following signature by the President of the Republic. Lead Committee: the Parliamentary Committee within whose remit a particular Bill falls, and is tasked with a particular Bill at Stage 2. Motion: a written substantive proposal submitted to the Clerk, or a written procedural proposal presented to the Parliament for debate and vote in accordance with these Rules. Official documents of the Parliament: any questions, motions or Bills circulated to Representatives, written answers to questions, recommendations or reports provided by the Committees, Minutes as well as other material submitted for debate by the Parliament or any of its Committees. Oldest qualified Representative: the oldest Representative present at a meeting of the Parliament, who may be called upon to preside over a part of a meeting, in accordance with Rule 6.5.2. Representative: a member of the Parliament shall be referred to as a Representative of the People of Oceana, and shall be addressed as such during meetings of the Parliament. Simple Majority: in voting, more than half of Representatives present at a meeting of Parliament. Parliamentary Group: the association of not less than 3 Representatives who have informed the Speaker's Council about their intention to act as a separate group within Parliament, for the purpose of joining the Speaker's Council. Party Representative: a member of a political party in Parliament who has been chosen by their party to represent them on the Speaker's Council. Resolution: a written motion which expresses through voting the will of the Parliament. Sponsor: any Representative who has informed the Clerk of their support for a particular Bill. Super Majority: in voting, two-thirds of the total number of Representatives in Parliament.

Urgent matter: a matter that is related to a genuine emergency which could not be brought before the Parliament within a reasonable time by other means and upon which the Parliament takes a decision.

Chapter 2 Members of Parliament

Rule 2.1 Members of Parliament 1. The members of the Parliament shall be known as Representatives of the Republic of Oceana, and are referred to in these Rules as Representatives or Members. 2. Representatives are elected to serve as Members of the Parliament in accordance with Chapter VII of the Constitution of the Republic of Oceana, and as provided by an Act of Parliament. Rule 2.2 Oath of Office 1. Every person who is elected as a Representative shall take the oath of office before the Clerk of Parliament at the first meeting of the Parliament. A Representative shall not take part in any other proceedings of the Parliament until that Representative has taken the Oath. 2. Should the Clerk not be available, the Oath shall be taken before the Speaker of Parliament or another person appointed by the Speaker. 3. The Representatives shall then sign the text of the Oath and a register kept by the Clerk of Parliament for confirmation. 4. The Oath of Office to be taken by each Representative is: I, _____________, elected as a Representative of the people of Oceana, hereby affirm that in my duties as a Member of the Parliament of Oceana, I shall sincerely and conscientiously, to the best of my ability, promote the well-being of the people of Oceana and observe, uphold and defend the Constitution and the laws of the Republic. Rule 2.3 Term of Office 1. The term of office of a Representative begins on the day which the Representative is elected and ends with the dissolution of the Parliament or, if earlier, that Representative's incapacity or resignation. 2. A Representative may at any time resign from that Representative's seat by giving notice in writing to the Speaker of Parliament. 3. A Representative may also cease to be a member of Parliament in accordance with Rule 2.4 or failure to comply with Rule 2.2. Rule 2.4 Loss of Status and Disqualification 1. A Representative shall cease to be a member of Parliament: (a) if he or she is convicted of a criminal offence in Oceana and sentenced to serve a prison term for a period of six (6) months or more; (b) if a Representative throughout a period of four (4) months attends none of the meetings of the Parliament or of a Committee of which he or she is a member, and cannot show good cause to the satisfaction of the Speaker of Parliament. In such a case, the Speaker shall propose to the Parliament that the Representative concerned cease to be a member of Parliament. The Parliament shall decide on the matter at its next meeting. 2. The Speaker shall notify the Parliament where a person is, or is alleged to be, disqualified from being a Representative on any grounds. 3. Any Representative may, within seven (7) days of such notification, by motion propose that the Parliament disregard the disqualification. The motion is valid only if it is seconded by another Representative. 4. In the case of Rule 2.4.1(b), the Representative in question may in writing submit to the Parliament any arguments or reasons which show good cause for his or her failure to attend the meetings in question, and shall also be permitted to address the Parliament briefly if he or she so wishes to.

Rule 2.5 Vacancies 1. In the event of a vacant seat in Parliament, due to the disqualification, incapacity or resignation of a Representative, the Speaker of Parliament shall set a date for an election to fill that seat. This date must be within two (2) months of the effective date when Parliament is in Session, or at the earliest possible date. Rule 2.6 Code of Conduct 1. Representatives shall at all times in their official capacity act and dress respectably and responsibly. 2. Representatives shall comply with the Code of Conduct of the Parliament, which shall be laid down by the Administration Committee in the Parliamentary Code of Conduct Act, which shall be affixed to these Rules in Chapter 20. Rule 2.7 Rights and Responsibilities of Representatives 1. All Representatives have an equal right and responsibility to participate fully in the proceedings of the Parliament, acting in accordance with their convictions and conscience. This shall include, but not be limited to, the right to initiate Bills according to Chapter 11 and resolutions, to question members of the Government and the Executive, to vote on all proposed decisions of the Parliament and to take part on an equal basis with other Representatives in all debates of the Parliament. 2. Representatives shall be compensated for their work in the Parliament, as determined by Parliament, on a motion of the Speaker's Council. Details on remuneration shall be detailed in the Parliamentary Remuneration Act. 3. Representatives may be entitled to additional rights, as provided for by these Rules or an Act of Parliament. Rule 2.8 Immunities of Representatives 1. Representatives shall be immune from all civil and criminal proceedings with regard to words spoken or written or other acts performed in their capacity as Representatives. This immunity does not include acts which knowingly and in full conscience and intentionally break any laws in effect in the Republic of Oceana. 2. Representatives shall also be immune from arrest and prosecution with regard to his or her actions unless the Parliament takes a decision to waive his or her immunity. 3. The request to waive the immunity of a Representative shall be made by the competent body in charge of criminal prosecution, while the decision to waive the immunity of a Representative shall be taken by the Parliament following the recommendations of the Administration Committee. 4. A Representative whose immunity has been waived shall be entitled to appeal to the Supreme Court, which shall decide on the matter. 5. With the exception of Rule 2.8.2, detention may be awarded against a Representative, without the prior consent of the Parliament, when he or she is caught committing a serious criminal act in flagranti. Rule 2.9 Withdrawal of Rights and Privileges 1. The Parliament may, on a motion of the Speaker's Council, withdraw from a Representative their rights and privileges as a Representative to such extent and such period as are specified in the motion.

Chapter 3 Officers of the Parliament and Other Officers

Rule 3.1 The Speaker of Parliament 1. The Speaker of Parliament shall be elected in accordance with Chapter VII of the Constitution of the Republic of Oceana. 2. Once the Speaker takes office, following an election, they shall take the Oath of Office before the President of the Republic, and sign the text of the Oath and a register kept by the Clerk of Parliament for confirmation.

3. The Oath of Office for the Speaker of Parliament is:

4. I, ______________, affirm that in my office as Speaker of Parliament I shall sincerely and conscientiously, to the best of my ability, defend the rights of the people of Oceana and of the Parliament in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic. 5. The Speaker of Parliament shall: (a) preside over any meeting of the Parliament and exercise a casting vote in the event of a tie; (b) convene and chair any meeting of the Speaker's Council; (c) determine any question as to the interpretation or application of these Rules and give ruling on any such question; and (d) represent the Parliament in discussions and exchanges with any parliamentary, governmental, administrative or other body, whether within or outwith the Republic of Oceana. 6. The Speaker shall have such other functions as may be conferred upon the Speaker by an Act of Parliament, by these Rules or by the Constitution. 7. In exercising any functions, the Speaker shall act impartially, taking account of the interests of all Representatives equally. 8. The Speakers functions may be exercised by a Deputy Speaker if the office of Speaker is vacant or if the Speaker is for any reason unable to act. 9. The Speaker may authorise a Deputy Speaker to exercise any of the Speakers functions on the Speakers behalf. 10. In the event of the disqualification, incapacity or resignation of the President of the Republic, the Speaker shall act as interim President until such a time as a new President has been elected. The first task of the Speaker, as interim President, is to call for a Presidential Election, to be held within one (1) month of the departure of the previous President. Rule 3.2 Clerk of Parliament 1. The Clerk of Parliament is appointed by the Speaker of Parliament at the first meeting of Parliament following a general election, with the approval of Parliament, for the entire Parliamentary Session. 2. The duties of the Clerk are: (a) to receive notices of Bills and Motions, to be passed on to the Speaker's Council; (b) to administer the Roll Call at the beginning of each meeting of Parliament; (c) to keep Minutes of each meeting of Parliament, in accordance with Rule 17.1. (d) to keep Minutes of meetings of the Speaker's Council; (e) to maintain the Parliamentary Calendar; (f) to record the numerical and individual votes cast in all decisions of the Parliament; (g) to ensure that the Speaker and Representatives comply with the Rules of Procedure; (h) to sign each Act of Parliament, before it is passed to the Speaker to sign; (i) to provide the President of the Republic with the Acts of Parliament following each meeting of Parliament; (j) to administer the Oath of Office for Representatives at the inaugural meeting of Parliament, and keep a register of Representatives who have taken the Oath; and (k) to notify Representatives about the Parliamentary Agenda and any changes to it. 3. The Speaker may appoint, with the approval of the Parliament, a Deputy Clerk to assist the Clerk in their duties. 4. If the office of Clerk is vacant or the Clerk is prevented from attending to his or her duties, the Deputy Clerk shall perform the duties of the Clerk. If also the Deputy Clerk is prevented, the Speaker shall invite a qualified person to temporarily perform the duties of the Clerk. Rule 3.3 Deputy Speakers 1. The Parliament shall, at its first meeting following a general election, elect from among its members two (2) Deputy Speakers. 2. The Deputy Speakers are to be elected at the same time, wherever possible. 3. The Deputy Speakers may not be members of the same political party. 4. A Representative may at any time following the announcement of the election for Deputy Speakers, and before the election, nominate a candidate for appointment as Deputy Speaker by submitting a written nomination to the Clerk of Parliament. A nomination shall be valid only if it is seconded by

another Representative. 5. If there are no candidates for Deputy Speaker, another election for Deputy Speakers shall be held at the next opportune moment. 6. The election of Deputy Speakers shall be by secret ballot at a time appointed by the Speaker of Parliament. After the time allocated for the vote has passed, the Clerk shall announce the result of the vote and the candidate or candidates deemed elected. 7. In chairing meetings of the Parliament, the Speaker shall be assisted by one of the Deputy Speakers in accordance with the principle of rotation determined by the Speaker's Council. 8. In exercising any functions, the Deputy Speakers shall act impartially, taking account of the interests of all Representatives equally. 9. If a Deputy Speaker ceases to hold office before the Parliament is dissolved, the Parliament shall elect another Deputy Speaker from among its members at its next meeting. Rule 3.4 Resignation of Parliamentary Officers 1. The Speaker of Parliament may resign office by giving notice in writing to the President of the Republic and the Clerk of Parliament. 2. The Clerk of Parliament and the Deputy Clerk may resign by giving notice in writing to the Speaker. 3. A Deputy Speaker may resign office by giving notice in writing to the Clerk. 4. The Clerk shall notify the Parliament of any such resignation. In the case of the Clerk resigning, the Deputy Clerk or the Speaker shall notify Parliament. Rule 3.5 Removal of Parliamentary Officers 1. The Parliament may by a motion propose that the Speaker of Parliament, Clerk of Parliament, Deputy Clerk or a Deputy Speaker be removed from office. The motion is valid only if it is supported by at least one-third (1/3) of all Representatives. 2. The Speaker, Clerk or Deputy Speaker is removed from office if the Parliament so decides by a super majority. 3. The President of the Republic may veto the removal of the Speaker of Parliament. Parliament may override this veto with a three-fourths (3/4) majority of all Representatives.

Chapter 4 The Speaker's Council and Management of Business

Rule 4.1 The Speaker's Council 1. The Parliament shall establish the Speaker's Council on accordance with these Rules. 2. The main functions of the Speaker's Council shall be to: (a) propose the Parliamentary Calendar as mentioned in Rule 4.4; (b) propose the Parliamentary Agenda as mentioned in Rule 4.5; (c) propose the establishment, remit, membership and duration of any Committee or Sub-Committee; (d) determine any question regarding the competence of a Committee to deal with a matter and, if two (2) or more Committees are competent to deal with a matter, to determine which of those Committees is to be the Lead Committee responsible for that matter, or create a Joint Committee; (e) make proposals and issue instructions on the arrangement of Parliamentary work; (f) make proposals on the establishment of Investigative Committees, their membership and remit; (g) make proposals on the seating arrangement of Parties and Groups in the Parliament; (h) act as a consultative body in matters within the competence of the Speaker. 3. The Speaker's Council shall have such other functions relating to the business of the Parliament or of any Committee or Sub-Committee as may be conferred upon it by these Rules or by the Parliament. 4. The Speaker's Council shall not be regarded as a Committee for the purpose of these Rules.

Rule 4.2 Members of the Speakers' Council 1. The Speaker's Council shall consist of: (a) the Speaker of Parliament (b) the Deputy Speakers (c) a representative of each political party represented by 3 or more Representatives (a Party Representative) who is nominated by the leader within the Parliament of that Party; (d) a representative of any Group formed under Rule 4.2.2 (a Group Representative) who is nominated by that Group; and (e) the Clerk of Parliament and Deputy Clerk. 2. Representatives who represent a political party with fewer than 3 Representatives in the Parliament and Representatives who do not represent a political party may join together to form a Parliamentary Group for the purpose of nominating a Group Representative under Rule 4.2.1(d). The number of members in any such group shall be at least 3. 3. The nomination of a Party or Group Representative may be made to the Speaker at any time during a Parliamentary Session. The nomination shall be made in writing and, in the case of the nomination of a Group Representative, must be signed by each member of the Group. 4. Following the nomination of a Party or Group Representative, the political party or parliamentary group in question shall vote for the nominee or nominees. The Clerk shall certify the vote and report the result to the Speaker. 5. If a Representative wishes to join a Parliamentary Group or no longer wishes to form part of that Group, that Representative shall notify the Speaker and the Group that the Group Representative represents or, as the case may be, no longer represents that Representative. 6. If, at any time and for whatever reason, a Party or Group Representative no longer represents three (3) or more Representatives (including the Representative in question), that Representative shall cease to hold office as a member of the Speaker's Council and the Speaker shall notify the Parliament accordingly. 7. Where a Party or Group Representative ceases to hold office as a member of the Speaker's Council in any circumstances other than those mentioned in Rule 4.2.6, the leader of the Party or the Group which nominated that Representative shall nominate another Representative to it in place of that Representative. 8. A Party or Group Representative may arrange for another member to take that Representatives place at a meeting of the Speaker's Council if the Speaker has been notified in writing in advance of that meeting. Prior notification may not be required in exceptional circumstances. This decision shall be at the discretion of the Speaker. Rule 4.3 Meetings and Procedure of the Speaker's Council 1. The Speaker of Parliament shall convene and chair meetings of the Speaker's Council. 2. The Speaker's Council shall meet at least two (2) days before each meeting of Parliament, to prepare the Parliamentary Agenda. 3. The Speaker's Council shall meet in private. 4. The Speaker's Council shall not consider any business if the number of members of the Council who are present is less than half of the total number of members of the Council. 5. Matters to be decided by the Speaker's Council shall, in the event of any disagreement, be decided by a vote. The vote shall be conducted in such a manner as the Speaker may determine. 6. The Speaker shall have a casting vote but shall not otherwise vote in the proceedings. 7. A Party or Group Representative shall carry one vote for each member of the Party or Group which that Representative represents (including the Representative). The Representative shall notify the Speaker and other members of the Speaker's Council of the number of votes which that Representative carries and of any changes to that number. 8. A Deputy Speaker may participate in the proceedings but may not vote unless that Deputy is chairing the meeting in place of the Speaker, when that Deputy shall have a casting vote. 9. The Clerk of Parliament shall keep Minutes of meetings of the Speaker's Council and shall periodically publish these Minutes. 10. The Clerk and the Deputy Clerk shall not have voting rights in the Speaker's Council. 11. The Speaker's Council may invite members of the Executive or of the Government to attend a meeting

of the Speaker's Council and those persons may participate in the meeting but may not vote. 12. The Speaker must convene a meeting of the Speaker's Council if one-fifths (1/5) of the Representatives so demand. Rule 4.4 Parliamentary Calendar 1. The Speaker's Council shall maintain a calendar of Parliamentary events (referred to as the Parliamentary Calendar or the Calendar). 2. The Calendar shall contain the following: (a) the date, time and location of each Parliamentary Meeting; (b) the dates of any significant Parliamentary Recess; (c) the date, time and location of each Committee Meeting; (d) the timetable for each stage for any introduced Bill. 3. The Parliamentary Calendar shall be made public. Rule 4.5 Parliamentary Agenda 1. The Speaker's Council shall meet at least two (2) days prior to each Parliamentary Meeting to discuss the agenda for the next meeting of Parliament (referred to as the Parliamentary Agenda or the Agenda). 2. The Agenda shall include all the business the Parliament for that meeting and shall also include: (a) any communications to the Parliament; (b) important business of the Parliament; (c) unfinished business from the previous Meeting; (d) any written Parliamentary Questions or Reports; (e) oral questions selected for answer at Question Time and the names of Representatives selected to lodge questions for answer at Question Time; (f) any reports from Committees; (g) notices of motions and amendments to motions; (h) notices of Bills introduced to the Parliament and amendments to Bills; (i) any Bills which have reached Stage 3 and are to be debated and voted upon; and (j) any other competent business. 3. The Parliamentary Agenda shall be issued to Representatives by whatever means the Speaker considers appropriate and shall be made public. 4. The Parliament may, on a motion of the Speaker's Council, make alterations to the Agenda. 5. If any emergency business arises, the Speaker may allow that business to be taken at an appropriate point during a meeting of the Parliament and shall make any necessary alteration to the Agenda.

Chapter 5 The Prime Minister and the Government

Rule 5.1 Election of the Prime Minister 1. The Representatives of the respective political party or coalition which holds a majority of seats in Parliament shall elect from within their members a candidate for Prime Minister of Oceana. 2. If no party holds the majority of seats in Parliament, the party with the most seats may attempt to create a coalition with other parties before electing a Prime Minister. 3. Any Representative of the majority party is free to run, insofar that there is no conflict of interest to his or her standing professional duties. 4. Once a candidate is elected, he or she shall declare their candidacy to the President of the Republic. The President shall then officially accept that individual as a candidate for Prime Minister, or if the President deems the candidate unqualified, reject the candidate. If the candidate is rejected, a 2/3 vote by the Parliament may override the Presidents rejection. 5. The candidate for Prime Minister shall propose his or her general intentions once taking office for their prospective administration within nine (9) days of their candidature. The Parliament shall, on a motion

of the Speaker's Council, vote to accept the candidate following their statement. Representatives may vote for or against the candidate, or abstain. 6. If the candidate for Prime Minister does not secure a majority of the votes of those Representatives present, the President shall reject their candidature and request the majority party or coalition to appoint another candidate in accordance with Rule 5.1.1. Rule 5.2 Formation of the Government 1. Following the election of the Prime Minister by the Parliament, they shall be tasked with forming a Government, consisting of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers. 2. The Prime Minister, together with the President of the Republic, shall from a Cabinet of Ministers. The Cabinet may not be larger than one-fifth (1/5) of all members of the Parliament. The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister are not included into this calculation. 3. The Cabinet must include the following mandatory Ministers: (a) Minister of Finance; (b) Minister of Domestic Affairs; (c) Minister of Foreign Affairs; and (d) Minister of Defence. 4. Any Representative may be nominated as a Cabinet Minister. 5. The Prime Minister may also nominate any other qualified individual as a Cabinet Minister, subject to Parliamentary Confirmation, in accordance with Rule 14.3. 6. Parliament shall, on a motion of the Speaker's Council, vote to appoint the candidates for Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers. The candidates shall be voted as a whole, unless otherwise requested by at least one-fifth (1/5) of all Representatives. 7. The Government is elected where the candidates obtain a simple majority vote from the Representatives. Representatives may for vote, against, or abstain from the vote. 8. If the proposed Government is not elected, or any individual candidate is not elected, the Prime Minister shall within seven (7) days propose new candidates for the posts not confirmed. 9. Any subsequent vacancies to the Cabinet may be filled by appointment by the Prime Minister, subject to Parliamentary Confirmation in accordance with Rule 14.3. Rule 5.3 Programme of the Government of Oceana 1. Within two (2) weeks of the formation and election of the Government, the Prime Minister shall make a statement to a meeting of the Parliament setting out the policy objectives and legislative programme of the Government of Oceana for the Parliamentary Session (known as the Government Programme). 2. The Prime Minister shall give notice of that proposal to the Clerk of Parliament. The Speaker's Council shall ensure that sufficient time is allocated in the Agenda for the statement to be made, debated and voted upon. 3. Following the statement the Parliament shall, on a motion of the Speaker's Council, vote on a motion of confidence in Government Programme. 4. If the motion of confidence does not receive a simple majority of the votes cast, the Government shall fall, and the President of the Republic shall instruct the majority party or coalition to appoint a new candidate for Prime Minister, pursuant to Rule 5.1. 5. If the Parliament fails to elect a new Prime Minister within two (2) weeks, the President shall appoint one or dissolve Parliament, pursuant to Rule 19.1 Rule 5.4 Motions of No Confidence in the Prime Minister 1. Parliament may, by motion, express its lack of confidence in the Prime Minister. 2. Any such motion must be supported by at least one-third (1/3) of all Representatives, and shall be lodged in writing to the Clerk of Parliament. 3. Should the Parliament, by an absolute majority, express no confidence in the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister and the Government must resign, and the President of the Republic shall instruct the majority party or coalition to appoint a new candidate for Prime Minister, pursuant to Rule 5.1. 4. If the Parliament fails to elect a new Prime Minister within two (2) weeks, the President shall appoint one or dissolve Parliament, pursuant to Rule 19.1

Rule 5.5 Motions of Confidence in the Prime Minister 1. The Prime Minister may initiate a motion of confidence, or attach such a motion to a Government Bill. 2. A motion of confidence requires a simpler majority of Representatives. 3. If the motion, or the Bill to which the motion is attached to, falls, the Prime Minister must resign, and the President of the Republic shall instruct the majority party or coalition to appoint a new candidate for Prime Minister, pursuant to Rule 5.1. 4. If the Parliament fails to elect a new Prime Minister within two (2) weeks, the President shall appoint one or dissolve Parliament, pursuant to Rule 19.1 Rule 5.6 Immunities of the Prime Minister 1. The Prime Minister shall be immune from all civil and criminal proceedings with regard to words spoken or written or other acts performed in his or her capacity as Prime Minister. This immunity does not include acts that openly encourage violence, treason, or anarchy within the Republic of Oceana. 2. The Prime Minister shall also be immune from arrest and prosecution with regard to his or her actions unless the Parliament takes a decision to waive that immunity. 3. The request to waive the immunity of the Prime Minister shall be made by the competent body in charge of the respective prosecution, while the decision to waive the immunity of the Prime Minister shall be taken by the Parliament following any pertinent recommendations from Investigative Committees or authorities topical to the Prime Ministers action. 4. The Prime Minister whose immunity has been waived shall be entitled to, personally or via an authorized person, appeal to the Supreme Court, which shall decide on the matter.

Chapter 6 Meetings of Parliament

Rule 6.1 Session of Parliament 1. A Session of Parliament shall be the period from the date of the first meeting of Parliament following a general election until the Parliament is dissolved, prior to the next general election. 2. A Session of Parliament shall always end no later than the first week of the tenth calendar month. 3. A Session of Parliament may exceptionally end early, if dissolved by the President of the Republic, pursuant to Rule 19.1. 4. A Session of Parliament may exceptionally be extended during a State of Emergency in the Republic, in accordance with Chapter XII of the Constitution of the Republic. Rule 6.2 Meetings of the Parliament 1. The Parliament shall meet on the day appointed or determined for its first meeting following a general election. 2. The Speaker's Council shall decide the date and time for any subsequent meeting of the Parliament. 3. A meeting of the Parliament shall normally begin and end on the same day, and, no more than one meeting of the Parliament may take place on the same day. 4. A meeting of the Parliament begins when the Speaker of Parliament, or another individual chairing the meeting, takes the chair. 5. The Speaker may convene the Parliament on other dates or at other times in an emergency. 6. Meetings of the Parliament shall be held in public, unless Parliament by a simple majority decides to hold the meeting, or part of the meeting, in private. 7. Rule 6.2.6 is subject to the agreement of the Speaker, who shall determine whether the matters being debated warrant a private meeting. Rule 6.3 First Meeting Following a General Election 1. The first meeting of the Parliament following a general election shall be held on the day and at the time determined by the Speaker of Parliament. The Clerk of Parliament shall notify Representatives of the date and time of that meeting.

2. That meeting shall be chaired by the Speaker. If the Speaker is indisposed, the meeting shall be temporarily chaired by the President of the Republic or another individual appointed by the Speaker, if that person has taken the Oath of Office for their position. 3. The Parliament, during its first meeting following a general election, shall: (a) take the Oath of Office; (b) approve the Speaker's candidate for Clerk of Parliament and Deputy Clerk; (c) elect the Deputy Speakers; and (d) appoint the Party and Group Representatives. Rule 6.4 Parliamentary Recess 1. The Speaker of Parliament shall decide, on a motion of the Speakers' Council, the dates of any Parliamentary recess, which shall be notified by the Clerk of Parliament to Representatives of Parliament. Rule 6.5 Chairing of Meetings 1. Meetings of the Parliament shall be chaired by the Speaker of Parliament or by a Deputy Speaker. 2. Where the offices of Speaker or both Deputy Speakers are vacant, a meeting of the Parliament shall be chaired by the oldest qualified Representative but only for the purpose of presiding over the proceedings for the election of a temporary Deputy Speaker and setting the date of an election for the Speaker. 3. Where the Speaker and both Deputy Speakers are unable to act, a meeting of the Parliament shall be chaired by any qualified Representative present at the meeting, who shall temporarily have similar functions to those of the Speaker for the purpose of conducting the meeting. Rule 6.6 Quorum 1. One-third (1/3) of the members of the Parliament shall constitute a quorum. 2. Meetings of the Parliament shall not be held when the number of Representatives present does not meet quorum. 3. If the number of Representatives at a meeting of Parliament falls below quorum, the Speaker of Parliament shall halt all proceedings until quorum is reached. If quorum is not regained within 30 minutes, the Speaker shall close the meeting. Rule 6.7 Agenda 1. Prior to each meeting, in accordance with Rule 4.5, the Speaker's Council shall compose the Parliamentary Agenda for the meeting and notify Representatives of this. Rule 6.8 Announcement of Communications 1. At the start of each Parliamentary Meeting, the Speaker of Parliament may convey to the Representatives any communications directed at the Parliament. 2. The communications may be conveyed by the Speaker, or by anyone else, at the invitation of the Speaker. Rule 6.9 Topical Debates 1. Parliament may hold debates on a specific topic or theme at a meeting of Parliament. 2. Any Representative may propose a topic or theme for debate. The proposal shall be lodged in writing to the Speaker's Council at least two (2) days prior to a meeting of Parliament. The Speaker's Council shall only consider such a proposal if it has been sponsored and signed by no less than three (3) Representatives. 3. In accordance with Rule 6.9.2, and if the proposed topic or theme is deemed appropriate, the Speaker's Council shall allocate a time for the Topical Debate on the Parliamentary Agenda. 4. If approved, the Representative who proposed the topic for debate shall introduce it at the assigned meeting of Parliament. Rule 6.10 Witnesses and Documents 1. The Parliament may, in connection with any matter, invite any person to:

10

(a) attend its proceedings for the purpose of giving evidence; (b) produce documents in that person's custody or under that person's control. Rule 6.11 Location 1. Meetings of the Parliament shall be held in Glaschu. 2. The Speaker of Parliament may decide, on a motion of the Speakers' Council, that a meeting of the Parliament shall be held in another place in Oceana and Representatives shall be notified of that place.

Chapter 7 Conduct of Meetings

Rule 7.1 Calling Speakers and Content of Speeches 1. No Representative may speak unless called upon to do so by the Speaker of Parliament. In deciding who should be called, the Speaker shall have regard to the nature of the business under consideration. Normally, Representatives shall speak standing at their places and shall address the Speaker. 2. The Speaker may allocate speaking time, whether for proceedings in relation to a particular item of business or for a particular speaker in any proceedings, and may do so whether or not the proceedings have started or the particular speaker has started to talk. The Speaker may not allocate speaking time in a manner that would disrupt any timetable of business set out in the Parliamentary Agenda. 3. The Speaker may order a Representative to stop speaking if that Representative continues to speak beyond any time allocated to that Representative or to that item of business (whether by the Speaker, in the Agenda or under these Rules) or if, in the opinion of the Speaker, the Representative departs from the subject or repeats what the Representative has already said. 4. A speaker may not be interrupted except by the Speaker. The speaker may, however, give way to allow another Representative to intervene. Rule 7.2 Order in the Chamber 1. Representatives shall at all times conduct themselves in a courteous and respectful manner and shall respect the authority of the Speaker of Parliament. In particular, Representatives shall not speak or stand when the Speaker is speaking. 2. Representatives shall at all times conduct themselves in an orderly manner and, in particular, shall not conduct themselves in a manner that would constitute a criminal offence or contempt of court. 3. Any Representative who is in breach of Rule 7.2.2 may be ordered by the Speaker to leave the chamber and may be excluded from the meeting: (a) on the order of the Speaker for such period as the Speaker thinks fit; and (b) for such further period as the Parliament may decide, on a motion of the Speaker's Council. 4. A motion under Rule 7.2.3(b) may not be amended. If the motion is debated only the following may speak: (a) the Representative concerned; and (b) one (1) Representative for the motion and one (1) Representative against the motion. Rule 7.3 Suspension and Closure of Meetings by the Speaker 1. The Speaker of Parliament may, if the Speaker considers it appropriate, suspend a meeting of the Parliament: (a) if an emergency occurs which would place Representatives attending the meeting at risk; (b) if a disturbance interferes with the conduct of business; or (c) for a meal or other such break. 2. In the case of a suspension under Rule 7.3.1(b), a meeting is suspended if the Speaker leaves the chair after ordering the person or persons causing the disturbance to stop the disturbance. 3. The Speaker may suspend a meeting of the Parliament to allow Stage 2 of a Bill to be taken by a Committee of the Whole Parliament. 4. The Speaker may reconvene a meeting suspended under Rule 7.3.1 only at a time later in the same day.

11

A suspended meeting that is not reconvened at a time later in the same day is deemed to have been closed at the time it was suspended. 5. The Speaker shall make any necessary alteration to the Parliamentary Agenda as a result of the suspension of a meeting. Representatives shall be notified of any such alteration. 6. The Speaker may, if the Speaker considers it appropriate, at any time close a meeting of the Parliament. Rule 7.4 Forms of Address 1. Each Representative shall be referred to in any proceedings of the Parliament by name and, if the Representative wishes, by title, if any, except: (a) the Speaker of Parliament, who may, in addition or as an alternative, be referred to by that title; (b) the Clerk of Parliament and Deputy Clerk, who may, in addition or as an alternative, be referred to by that title; (c) a Deputy Speaker, who may, in addition or as an alternative, be referred to by that title; and (d) any member of the Government of Oceana, who may, in addition or as an alternative, be referred to by such titles as the Prime Minister may notify to the Speaker. Rule 7.5 Calculating the Length of Debates or the Number of Speakers 1. For the purposes limiting the length of a debate or the number of speakers: (a) if the Representative moving the motion speaks in support of it, that Representative shall be treated as a speaker for that motion and the time for which that Representative speaks shall be considered part of the time allocated; and (b) any debate on an amendment to a motion shall form part of the debate on the motion. 2. Time allocated for debate may be extended by motion, at the discretion of the Speaker of Parliament, provided it does not severely disrupt the Parliamentary Agenda. Rule 7.6 Calling the Roll 1. At the start of each Parliamentary Meeting, the Clerk of Parliament shall administer a Roll Call by calling out the names of each Representative in alphabetical order. 2. Representatives shall be marked as Present or Absent in the Minutes of the Meeting. 3. Any Representative arriving within thirty (30) minutes of the Roll Call shall be marked as Present. 4. Any Representative arriving more than thirty (30) minutes after the Roll Call shall be marked as Absent for the duration of the Meeting, unless they have notified the Clerk of their late arrival prior to the meeting.

Chapter 8 Parliamentary Committees

Rule 8.1 Establishment of Committees 1. Any Representative may by motion propose the establishment of a Committee. 2. The Speaker's Council may, whether in response to such a proposal or otherwise, by motion propose the establishment, membership, remit and duration of a Committee. 3. The Parliament shall, on a motion of the Speaker's Council, establish the following mandatory Committees: (a) the Administration Committee; (b) the Finance Committee; (c) the Domestic Affairs Committee; (d) the Foreign Affairs Committee; and (e) the Defence Committee. 4. The Speaker's Council shall by motion propose the establishment of the mandatory Committees without delay after it has assembled for the inaugural meeting of Parliament. 5. Any other Committee established by the Parliament to deal with a particular subject shall be referred to as an Investigative Committee, the duration and remit of which shall be decided upon by the Speaker's

12

Council. Rule 8.2 Functions of all Committees 1. A Committee shall examine such matters within its remit (referred to as competent matters) as it may determine appropriate or as may be referred to it by these Rules, the Speaker's Council, Parliament or another Committee and shall report to the Parliament on any such matter. 2. A Committee shall without delay deal with the matters referred to it. 3. In particular, each Committee shall conduct inquiries into such competent matters as it may consider appropriate or as the Parliament or another Committee may require, and may: (a) consider any proposals for legislation which relate to or affect any competent matter; (b) consider any international conventions or agreements or any Stage 2 Bills which relate to or affect any competent matter; (c) consider the need for the reform of the law which relates to or affects any competent matter; and (d) initiate Bills on any competent matter. 3. Stage 2 of Bills shall be taken by the relevant Committee, as decided by the Parliament. 4. Any question on whether a matter is within the remit of a Committee shall be determined by the Speaker's Council. 5. If a matter falls within the remit of more than one Committee the Parliament may, on a motion of the Speaker's Council, designate one of the Committees as the Lead Committee responsible for that matter. The other Committee or Committees may report its or their opinion to the Lead Committee. This is without prejudice to Rule 8.11. Rule 8.3 Membership of Committees 1. The membership of each Committee shall be decided by the Parliament on a motion of the Speaker's Council. 2. Each Committee shall have at least three (3) but no more than ten (10) members. 3. A Representative may indicate to the Speaker's Council an interest in serving on a particular Committee. 4. In proposing a Representative to be a Committee member, the Speaker's Council shall have regard to the balance of political parties in the Parliament and, where that Representative has expressed an interest in serving on that Committee, to that Representative's qualification and experience. 5. A Representative shall serve as a member of a Committee for the duration of that Committee unless: (a) that Representative resigns from that office by intimating resignation to the Speaker of Parliament on behalf of the Speaker's Council; (b) that Representative is removed from that office by the Parliament on a motion of the Committee; or (c) that Representative ceases to be a member of the Parliament other than by virtue of a dissolution. Rule 8.4 Committee Substitutes 1. A political party or Parliamentary Group represented by three (3) or more Representatives may nominate a member of that Party or Group to be a substitute (referred to as a Committee substitute) for the members of that Party or a Group on a particular Committee. 2. The nomination of a Committee substitute must be made in writing to the Speaker's Council. Representatives so nominated become Committee substitutes if appointed by the Speaker's Council. 3. A Committee substitute cannot chair the meetings of that Committee. 4. A Representative cannot be a Committee substitute for more than one Committee at the same time. A Representative cannot be a Committee substitute for a Committee of which that person is a member. 5. A Representative shall be a Committee substitute for the duration of the relevant Committee unless: (a) that Representative resigns from being a Committee substitute by intimating resignation to the Speaker on behalf of the Speaker's Council; (b) that Representative is removed as a Committee substitute by the Parliament on a motion of the Committee; (c) that Representative ceases to be a member of the Parliament other than by virtue of a dissolution; or (d) the relevant political party or Parliamentary Group is no longer represented by three (3) or more Representatives.

13

Rule 8.5 Administration Committee 1. The remit of the Administration Committee is to consider and report on: (a) the practice and procedures of the Parliament in relation to its business, and the review of the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament; (b) any proposed amendment to the Constitution of the Republic and documents attached to it; (c) legislation pertaining to elections, citizenship, public institutions, language and symbols, of the Republic; (d) the adoption, amendment and application of any Code of Conduct for Representatives; (e) the rights, responsibilities, remuneration, immunity and discipline of Representatives; (f) issues relating to local governments and administration of such within Oceana, and matters relating to public appointments in Oceana; (g) legal affairs, the courts, and prisons; (h) regional and structural policy; (i) state institutions; and (j) state personnel policy. 2. The Committee may refer matters to the Speaker's Council or other Committees where it considers it appropriate to do so. 3. Any dispute concerning the remit of the Administration Committee shall be determined by the Speaker's Council. Rule 8.6 Finance Committee 1. The remit of the Finance Committee is to consider and report on: (a) State budgets and supplementary budgets, long-term budgetary planning, as well as legislative matters concerning taxes and other financial matters; (b) any report or other document laid before the Parliament by members of the Government of Oceana containing proposals for, or budgets of, public expenditure or proposals for the making of a taxvarying resolution, taking into account any report or recommendations concerning such documents made to them by any other Committee with power to consider such documents or any part of them; (c) any report made by a Committee setting out proposals concerning public expenditure; (d) matters relating to trade, industry, the energy economy, business, competition, consumer protection, banks and other financial institutions, private insurance, the financial and securities markets; (e) Oversight of the Treasury, and audit of government finances; (f) the management of government finances and compliance with the budget, concentrating on the general state and management of government finances as well as on issues of which the Parliament ought to be informed; and (g) any other matter relating to or affecting the expenditure of the Parliament, Executive and Government of Oceana, as well as any public institutions. 2. The Committee may also consider and, where it sees fit, report to the Parliament on the timetable for the Stages of Budget Bills and on the handling of financial business. 3. The Committee may refer matters to the Speaker's Council or other Committees where it considers it appropriate to do so. 4. Any dispute concerning the remit of the Finance Committee shall be determined by the Speaker's Council. 5. The Treasury Chairman of Oceana is to attend meetings of the Finance Committee, and may participate in the proceedings, but may not vote. Rule 8.7 Domestic Affairs Committee 1. The remit of the Domestic Affairs Committee is to consider and report on: (a) issues relating to education and health, including but not limited to: social welfare and health care, social insurance, financial aid, and pensions; (b) issues relating to public infrastructure and transport, including road, rail, air and water traffic; (c) emergency and rescue services; (d) residential, industrial and commercial zoning and construction, and the development of such; (e) parks and recreation;

14

(f) issues relating to communications, including, but not limited to: the postal service, telecommunications, radio and television functions, and issues relating to the public broadcasting services; (g) environmental issues, including, but not limited to: environmental protection and nature conservation, waste management and water legislation, agriculture and forestry, water resources management, rural livelihoods, food hygiene and inspections, hunting and fishing, animal protection, land survey, mapping, and the meteorological services; and (h) issues relating to cultural activities, including, but not limited to: science, art, museums, libraries, sports, and youth work. 2. The Committee may refer matters to the Speaker's Council or other Committees where it considers it appropriate to do so. 3. Any dispute concerning the remit of the Domestic Affairs Committee shall be determined by the Speaker's Council. Rule 8.8 Foreign Affairs Committee 1. The remit of the Foreign Affairs Committee is to consider and report on: (a) the development and implementation of Oceana's associations with countries and territories outside Oceana and international organisations; (b) proposals for international legislation and treaties; (c) any international issue; (d) co-ordination of the international activities of the Republic of Oceana; (e) any significant treaties affecting the Republic of Oceana; (f) foreign and security policy; (g) foreign trade policy; (h) development cooperation; and (i) confirmation of Presidential appointees to diplomatic missions. 2. For matters relating to international financial or military organisations the Committee must work with the Finance and Defence Committees, respectively. 3. The Committee may present to Parliament a report on any international treaties under consideration by the Parliament, prior to any debate or resolution by the Parliament. 4. The Committee may refer matters to the Speaker's Council or other Committees where it considers it appropriate to do so. 5. Any dispute concerning the remit of the Foreign Affairs Committee shall be determined by the Speaker's Council. Rule 8.9 Defence Committee 1. The remit of the Defence Committee is to consider and report on: (a) the defence forces, including the Navy, Army and Air Force; (b) arms trade and acquisition; (c) legislation pertaining to possession, use and sale of firearms and explosives, and their regulation; (d) legislation concerning exceptional circumstances; (e) national security issues; (f) co-ordination of the international activities of the Republic of Oceana where defence and national security is concerned; (g) information security; (h) institutions concerning intelligence and information; and (i) customs and borders, and immigration affairs. 2. The Committee may refer matters to the Speaker's Council or other Committees where it considers it appropriate to do so. 3. Any dispute concerning the remit of the Defence Committee shall be determined by the Speaker's Council. Rule 8.10 Duration of Committees 1. The mandatory Committees referred to in Rule 8.1.3 shall be established for the whole Session of the Parliament.

15

2. The Parliament shall, on a motion of the Speaker's Council, determine the duration of any other Committee. 3. The Parliament may decide, on a motion of the Speaker's Council, that any other Committee be disbanded. Rule 8.11 Joint Consideration by Committees 1. Where a matter falls within the remit of more than one Committee, the Committees concerned may, with the agreement of the Speaker's Council, consider that matter jointly. 2. Where a matter is to be considered jointly under Rule 8.11.1, any meeting to consider that matter shall be held jointly by the Committees concerned. The Convener of a Joint Committee shall be decided upon by the Speaker's Council. The Convener must be a Convener of one of the Committees concerned. 3. Any report on the joint consideration of a matter shall be produced jointly by those Committees. Rule 8.12 Sub-Committees and Investigative Committees 1. A Parliamentary Committee may establish a Sub-Committee to consider a matter of a Bill. 2. Any such Sub-Committees may consider the matter jointly with a Sub-Committee of another Committee. 3. The remit and duration of any Sub-Committee shall be such as is approved by the Parliament, on a motion of the Speaker's Council, but shall not include any matter outwith the remit of that Committee. 4. Normally only members of the Committee (other than Committee substitutes) may be members of a Sub-Committee of that Committee but, if the Committee so decides, members of other Committees may be appointed as members of a Sub-Committee. In considering the membership of a SubCommittee, the Committee shall have regard to the balance of political parties in the Parliament. 5. A Sub-Committee shall choose a Convener who shall report to the Committee that established it. 6. The Parliament may, on a motion of the Speaker's Council, establish Investigative Committees for the purpose of determining and acquiring the necessary information for a Bill or any other matter of interest to the Parliament. 7. The remit, duration and membership of Investigative Committees shall be determined by the Speaker's Council. Rules 8.13 Committee of the Whole Parliament 1. For matters of urgency, or where the Speaker's Council sees it suitable, a Bill or other competent matter may be put to the Committee of the Whole Parliament. 2. In such cases, the Speaker of Parliament shall act as the Convener of the Committee of the Whole Parliament. 3. The Committee of the Whole Parliament may debate and vote on all Stages of a Bill on any competent matter of the Parliament in a single meeting, except for Budget Bills. 4. The legislative procedures for the adoption and debate of Bills by the Committee of the Whole Parliament shall be in accordance with Chapter 11 of these Rules of Procedure.

Chapter 9 Committee Proceedings

Rule 9.1 Conveners of Committees 1. For its term, each Committee shall elect from among its members a Convener, who shall convene and chair the meetings of the Committee, a Deputy Convener who shall take the office of Convener in their absence, and a Secretary who shall record the Minutes of the Committee Meeting. 2. The Speaker's Council shall decide, for each Committee: (a) the political party or Parliamentary Group whose members shall be eligible to be Convener of the Committee; and (b) the political party or Parliamentary Group whose members shall be eligible to be Deputy Convener

16

of the Committee; 3. The Convener and the Deputy Convener may also be a Representative not representing any political party or Parliamentary Group. 4. The Convener and the Deputy Convener may not be from the same political party. 5. The Convener and Deputy Convener of a Committee shall be a member of that Committee (other than a Committee substitute). 6. The Convener and Deputy Convener of a Committee shall hold office for the duration of the Committee unless: (a) they resign from that office by notifying the Clerk of Parliament of their resignation; (b) they are removed from that office by a decision taken by an absolute majority of the Committee on a motion under Rule 9.1.7; or (c) they cease to be a Representative or a member of that Committee other than by virtue of a dissolution. 7. A member of a Committee may by motion propose that the Convener or Deputy Convener of the Committee be removed from office. Where notice of such a motion has been given and it has received the support of at least one other member of the Committee, it shall be placed on the agenda for, and taken at, the next meeting of the Committee. 8. Where the Convener or Deputy Convener of a Committee ceases to hold office, the Committee shall choose another member of the Committee (other than a Committee Substitute) to be the Convener or Deputy Convener in accordance with the decision of the Parliament under Rule 9.1.2. If it is not possible for the Committee to choose a Convener or Deputy Convener in accordance with that decision, the Parliament shall, on a motion of the Speaker's Council, appoint a Convener or Deputy Convener to the Committee. 9. Where the Convener is not available for any meeting of the Committee, or leaves the chair for part of any meeting, that meeting, or that part of the meeting, shall be chaired by the Deputy Convener. Where at any time other than during a meeting of a Committee a Convener is unable to act as Convener, the Deputy Convener shall carry out the functions of the Convener. 10. Where the office of Convener is vacant, a meeting of the Committee shall be convened by the Deputy Convener and that meeting shall be chaired by the Deputy Convener for the purpose of choosing a Convener. 11. When the Deputy Convener chairs a meeting or part of a meeting of a Committee, that person shall have all the functions of a Convener under these Rules for the purposes of conducting the business of that meeting or that part of a meeting. 12. Where the Committee considers it appropriate, it may by motion recommend that a Committee member's rights and privileges be withdrawn to such extent and for such period specified in the motion. 13. Rule 9.1 is subject to any other Rule making express provision about Conveners of Committees. Rule 9.2 Procedure in Committee 1. A Committee shall not commence consideration of any business or vote if the number of Committee members present is less than two-fifths (2/5). 2. Any Representative may attend any meeting of any Committee held in public, but may participate in the proceedings of the Committee only if invited to do so by the Convener and may not vote. 3. Where a Committee is considering any of the business relating to Stage 2 of a Bill, the following persons (if not members of the Committee) shall be entitled to participate in the proceedings of the Committee but may not vote, namely: (a) in the case of a Parliamentary Bill, the Representative in Charge of the Bill; and (b) in the case of a Bill that is not an Executive Bill or in the case of any other business, the member of the Government of Oceana who has general responsibility for the subject matter with which the business is concerned. 4. The Speaker of Parliament and the Deputy Speakers have the right to be present in the Committee meetings, but may not participate in the proceedings, unless otherwise allowed by the Convener. The Speaker and Deputy Speakers may not vote.

17

Rule 9.3 Participation by Substitutes 1. Where a Committee member: (a) is unavailable for a Committee meeting; or (b) has ceased to hold that office and a replacement Committee member has yet to be appointed, a Committee substitute from the same political party may participate in place of that member. 2. Where a substitute participates in the work of a Committee, that substitute shall: (a) have all the functions of a Committee member, including the right to attend and participate in Committee meetings (or parts of meetings) held in private and the right to a vote; and (b) be regarded as a Committee member for the purposes of these Rules. 3. Where a substitute participates in place of a Committee member who holds the office of Convener or Deputy Convener, the substitute shall not have any of the functions of that office. Rule 9.4 Committee Meetings 1. A Committee shall meet, according to their workload, to consider such business on such days and at such times as it may from time to time decide, subject to any timetable specified in the Parliamentary Calendar. 2. The Convener shall also convene the Committee to a meeting on the request of the Government. 3. The Convener shall notify the Clerk of Parliament, and the Clerk shall notify Representatives in the Parliamentary Agenda, of the agenda for each meeting. 4. A Committee meeting may be held on any day. Committee meetings shall not normally be held when the Parliament is in recess. 5. A meeting of a Committee shall not begin when a meeting of the Parliament is in progress, and a Committee meeting that has begun shall be closed before, or suspended during, any period when a meeting of the Parliament is in progress. 6. Committee meetings shall be held in public. 7. All or part of a meeting of a Committee may be held in private if the Committee so decides. 8. A meeting of a Committee shall not take place if neither the Convener nor the Deputy Convener is present. 9. The Secretary of the Committee shall keep Minutes at Committee meetings, indicating the members present and the experts heard as well as the proposals and decisions made, with votes recorded. Such Minutes shall be given to the Clerk for publication. Rule 9.5 Witnesses, Documents and Advisers 1. A Committee may, in connection with any competent matter, invite any person: (a) to attend its proceedings for the purpose of giving evidence; or (b) to produce documents in that persons custody or under that persons control, and may exercise the power to require any person to do so. 2. For the purposes of Rule 9.5.1, the Convener of a Committee may administer an oath to any person giving evidence in its proceedings and require that person to take an oath. 3. A Committee may, with the approval of the Speaker's Council, invite any person to inquire into and advise the Committee or any Sub-Committee upon any competent matter. Rule 9.6 Reports and Proposals of Committees 1. The reports and statements of a Committee shall be concise. 2. Where a Committee is to report or propose any matter to the Parliament or another Committee, it shall do so by lodging the report with the Clerk of Parliament. 3. Where the report, a proposal for a Bill, or a final proposal for a Bill after Stage 2 is addressed to the Parliament, the Clerk shall notify Representatives in the Parliamentary Calendar. Where the report is addressed to another Committee, the Clerk shall notify that Committee that the report has been lodged. 4. Any Committee report or proposal lodged with the Clerk shall be published. Rule 9.7 Annual Reports 1. Each Committee shall, prior to the dissolution of the Parliament, submit a report to the Parliament containing details of its activities during that Parliamentary Session, including details of its meetings and the number of times the Committee has met, either in public or private.

18

Chapter 10 Motions and Points of Order

Rule 10.1 Motions 1. Any Representative may, except where these Rules provide otherwise, give notice of a motion or move a motion about any matter. 2. A motion may be moved without notice being given only as permitted by these Rules or, exceptionally, as permitted by the Speaker of Parliament. 3. Where these Rules provide for a motion of a Committee or of the Speaker's Council, notice of the motion (if required) may be given, and the motion may be moved, only by a member of that Committee or, as the case may be, of the Speaker's Council. Rule 10.2 Notice of Motions 1. Notice of a motion shall be given by being lodged by a Representative with the Clerk of Parliament. Notice of a motion shall contain the text of the motion and the name of the Representative giving notice of it. 2. A motion shall: (a) be in English; (b) not contain offensive language; and (c) not breach any enactment or rule of law or be contrary to the public interest. 3. A motion is admissible unless it is not permitted under these Rules or is not in accordance with Rule 10.2.2. The Speaker of Parliament shall determine any dispute as to whether a motion is admissible. 4. Any Representative may indicate that Representative's support for a motion by notifying the Clerk. 5. The text of an admissible motion and the name of the Representative who gave notice of it and of any Representative supporting it shall be printed in the Parliamentary Agenda. 6. Where time has been allocated for a debate on a particular subject, the Speaker shall consider all motions on that subject of which notice has been given and shall decide which of those motions is to be taken by the Parliament. In all other cases, the Speaker's Council shall consider motions of which notice has been given and shall by motion propose which of those motions are to be taken by the Parliament. 7. The Clerk shall maintain and publish from time to time a list of all the admissible motions lodged and not yet taken by the Parliament. The Speaker's Council may remove from the list any motion that has been on the list for more than six (6) weeks without a date for it to be taken by the Parliament being allocated in the Agenda. 8. The Representative who lodged a motion may withdraw it at any time by notifying the Clerk. Rule 10.3 Motions Taken by the Parliament 1. A motion is taken by the Parliament when it is called at a meeting of the Parliament by the Speaker of Parliament. 2. When a motion is taken by the Parliament the motion may be moved by the Representative who gave notice of it, or if that Representative does not move the motion, by any other Representative who has indicated that Representative's support for it. 3. Before the Representative moves the motion, that Representative may speak in support of it. 4. Immediately after the motion is moved, the Speaker of Parliament may call on any other Representative to speak. 5. All motions may be debated, except as provided in these Rules. 6. After a motion is moved, it may be withdrawn by the Representative who moved it at any time before the question is put unless any Representative objects to it being withdrawn. 7. After the debate has been closed or, where there is no debate, after the motion has been moved, the question on the motion shall be put at the time when it requires to be put, in accordance with Rules 12.2 to 12.4. 8. Any motion not taken by the Parliament shall fall at dissolution.

19

Rule 10.4 Amendments to Motions and Notice of Amendments 1. A motion may be amended except as provided in these Rules. A motion without notice may be amended without notice. 2. Notice of an amendment to a motion shall be given by being lodged by a Representative with the Clerk of Parliament at any time after notice of the motion has been given. The notice shall contain the text of the amendment and the name of the Representative giving notice of it. 3. An amendment shall: (a) be in English; (b) not contain offensive language; and (c) not breach any enactment or rule of law or be contrary to the public interest. 4. An amendment is admissible unless it is not permitted under these Rules or is not in accordance with Rule 10.4.3. The Speaker shall determine any dispute as to whether an amendment is admissible. 5. Any Representative may indicate that Representative's support for an amendment by notifying the Clerk. 6. The text of an admissible amendment and the name of the Representative who gave notice of it and of any Representative supporting it shall be printed in the Parliamentary Agenda. 7. The Speaker of Parliament shall examine all admissible amendments lodged and decide which are to be taken by the Parliament. 8. The Representative who lodged an amendment may withdraw it at any time by notifying the Clerk. Rule 10.5 Amendments Taken by the Parliament 1. If an amendment to a motion is to be taken by the Parliament, it shall be taken immediately after the motion is moved. 2. When an amendment is taken, it may be moved by the Representative who gave notice of it or by any Representative who has indicated that Representative's support for it. 3. Before the Representative moves the amendment, that Representative may speak in support of it. 4. An amendment may be debated only if the motion may be debated. 5. After an amendment is moved, it may be withdrawn by the Representative who moved it any time before the question is put to vote unless any Representative objects to it being withdrawn. 6. If a motion is withdrawn under Rule 10.3.6 an amendment to that motion shall be treated as being withdrawn. 7. An amendment to a motion on the list referred to in Rule 10.2.7 shall be included on that list; and if a motion falls or is removed from that list, the amendment to that motion falls. 8. The question on an amendment shall be put in accordance with Rules 12.2. to 12.4. Rule 10.6 Amendments to Amendments 1. The provisions of Rules 10.4 and 10.5 shall apply to amendments to amendments as they apply to amendments to motions with such modifications as are appropriate. Rule 10.7 Application to Committees 1. The provisions of Rules 10.1 to 10.6 shall apply to proceedings at meetings of Committees and SubCommittees as they apply to proceedings at meetings of the Parliament, with such modifications as are appropriate. Rule 10.8 Motions of the Prime Minister 1. The following motions may be moved, and notice of any such motion may be given, only by the Prime Minister, namely: (a) a motion seeking the agreement of the Parliament that a Representative or other individual be appointed a Cabinet Minister. Rule 10.9 Motions for Tax-Varying Resolutions 1. A motion for a tax-varying resolution may be moved, and notice of such a motion may be given, only by a member of the Government of Oceana. Such a motion may not be amended. 2. A motion for a tax-varying resolution may be moved after the beginning of the Budgetary Year to which it relates only at Stage 3 of a Budget Bill, or a Bill to amend a Budget Act, relating to that year.

20

Rule 10.10 Motions of Confidence and No Confidence 1. Any Representative may give notice of a motion that the Government of Oceana or a member of the Government no longer enjoys the confidence of the Parliament (a motion of no confidence). 2. Matters relating to the confidence in the Government or a Minister shall be dealt with as urgent. 3. If notice of a motion of no confidence is supported by at least one-third (1/3) of all Representatives, it shall be included in the Parliamentary Agenda. 4. Representatives shall normally be given at least two (2) days notice of a motion of no confidence. Exceptionally, Representatives may be given a shorter period of notice if in the opinion of the Speaker's Council a shorter period is appropriate. 5. The Prime Minister may at any meeting of Parliament ask for a motion of confidence from the Parliament, or attach such a motion to a Government Bill, pursuant to Rule 5.5. 6. In the instance where Parliament expresses no confidence in a member of the Government by an absolute majority, the member of the Government must resign from the Government. 7. In the instance where Parliament expresses no confidence in the Prime Minister or the Government by an absolute majority, the President of the Republic shall instruct the majority party or coalition to appoint a new candidate for Prime Minister, pursuant to Rule 5.1. 8. Only the Representative moving the motion mentioned in Rule 10.10.1 and one Representative against (being a member of the Government) may speak on that motion. Each such person may speak for no more than five (5) minutes. Rule 10.11 Procedural Motions 1. Only the Representative moving the motion and one (1) speaker against may speak on a motion mentioned in Rules 10.13 to 10.15. Each such person may speak for no more than two (2) minutes. 2. A motion referred to in Rule 10.11.1 shall take precedence over the business under consideration, the debate on which shall be suspended while the motion is being considered. Rule 10.12 Motions for Closure or Extension of a Debate 1. Where time has been allocated for a debate (whether by the Speaker of Parliament or in the Parliamentary Agenda) the debate shall, subject to Rules 10.13.2 and 10.13.3, be closed when the time allocated has been exhausted. 2. A Representative may, by motion without notice, propose that a debate be closed earlier than the end of the period of time allocated for that debate. Such a motion may be taken only with the agreement of the Speaker of Parliament. If the motion is agreed to, the debate shall be closed at the time proposed. If the motion is disagreed to, no further such motion may be moved during that debate. 3. Any Representative may, by motion without notice, propose that a debate be extended for up to twenty (20) minutes beyond the end of the period of time allocated for that debate. Such a motion may be taken only with the agreement of the Speaker. If the motion is agreed to, the debate shall be extended by the period of time proposed. If the motion is disagreed to, no further such motion may be moved during that debate. 4. If a debate is closed or extended under this Rule the Speaker shall make any necessary alteration to the Agenda. Representatives shall be notified of any such alteration. 5. In this Rule, debate does not include a debate on amendments at Stage 3 of a Bill. Rule 10.13 Motions for Adjournment of a Debate 1. At any time during a debate a Representative may, by motion without notice, propose that the debate be adjourned. Such a motion may be taken only with the agreement of the Speaker of Parliament. 2. If the motion is agreed to, the Parliament shall proceed to the next business. If a debate is adjourned under this Rule the Speaker shall make any necessary alteration to the Parliamentary Agenda. Representatives shall be notified of any such alteration. 3. If the motion is disagreed to, no further such motion may be moved during that debate. Rule 10.14 Motions for Adjournment and Closure of Meetings 1. Any Representative may, by motion without notice, propose that a meeting of the Parliament be adjourned or closed. Such a motion may be taken only with the agreement of the Speaker of Parliament.

21

2. A meeting may be adjourned only to a time later in the same day. If a meeting is so adjourned, the Speaker shall make any necessary alteration to the Parliamentary Agenda. Representatives shall be notified of any such alteration. Rule 10.15 Points of Order 1. A Representative may in any proceeding question whether proper procedures have been or are being followed by making a point of order. 2. In making a point of order, a Representative may not speak for more than two (2) minutes and may not speak on the question under consideration. Points of order shall take precedence over the question under consideration, the discussion of which shall be suspended while they are being considered. 3. The Speaker of Parliament shall normally take an immediate decision on any point of order in accordance with these Rules but may exceptionally defer taking a decision. The Speaker shall announce the ruling made under this rule.

Chapter 11 Procedures and Adoption of Legislation

Rule 11.1 General Rules and Special Rules 1. The General Rules set out in Rules 11.2 to 11.13 shall apply in relation to every Bill introduced in the Parliament. 2. Special Rules for types of Bills are detailed in Rules 11.4 to 11.9. Rule 11.2 Types of Bills 1. Bills taken by Parliament shall be referred to as one of the following: (a) Parliamentary Bill, pursuant to Rule 11.4; (b) Committee Bill, pursuant to Rule 11.5; (c) Government Bill, pursuant to Rule 11.6; (d) Executive Bill, pursuant to Rule 11.7; (e) Budget Bill, pursuant to Rule 11.8; or (f) Emergency Bill, pursuant to Rule 11.9. Rule 11.3 Introduction and Form of Bills 1. A proposal for a Bill may be introduced by any Representative at any time when the Parliament is in Session, or by anyone else mandated by these Rules. 2. A proposal for a Bill shall be introduced by being lodged in writing with the Clerk of Parliament. 3. A proposal for a Bill may not be introduced unless it is in proper form. The Speaker's Council shall determine the proper form of Bills and the Clerk shall arrange for the determinations of the Speaker's Council to be notified to the Parliament. 4. A proposal for a Bill must, before introduction, be signed by the Representative introducing it and may also be signed by any other Representatives who support the Bill. 5. The Clerk shall ensure that notice of the introduction of a Bill in the Parliament is published in the Parliamentary Agenda. Such notice shall set out the number and title of the Bill, the name of the Representative who has introduced it, the name of any Representatives supporting the Bill and shall indicate what type of Bill it is. 6. The Clerk shall publish the Bill proposal and notify all Representatives of the proposal. 7. The Representative in Charge of the Bill shall be notified of the date and time of the allocated time for the Bill to be introduced in the Parliament. 8. If the Clerk deems that a proposal for a Bill is not in the correct form, the Representative in Charge of the Bill shall be notified of this decision, along with a statement, immediately. Rule 11.4 Parliamentary Bills 1. A Bill introduced by a Representative, outside of a Committee, who is not a member of the

22

Government of Oceana, shall be referred to as a Parliamentary Bill. 2. Bills originating from the Committee of the Whole Parliament shall be considered Parliamentary Bills, unless they satisfy the conditions of an Emergency Bill, as detailed in Rule 11.9. 3. In all other instances other than Rule 11.4.2, a Parliamentary Bill must pass all Stages of Bills, as defined in Rules 11.10 to 11.13. Rule 11.5 Committee Bills 1. A Bill proposed by a Committee, which has been composed by the members of a particular Committee, shall be referred to as a Committee Bill. 2. Bills proposed by Joint Committees, Sub-Committees or Investigative Committees are similarly treated as Committee Bills. 3. A proposal for a Committee Bill must be in relation to matters within that Committees remit. 4. A proposal for a Committee Bill shall be made in the proper form and introduced to the Parliament by the Convener of that Committee (or a Committee member designated by the Convener to do so) at Stage 1 of a Bill, in accordance with Rule 11.11. 5. At the discretion of the Speaker's Council, Stages 1 and 2 of a Committee Bill may be treated as having been combined, and a Committee Bill in this instance is only subject to Stage 3, in accordance with Rule 11.13. 6. In all other instances other than Rule 11.5.5, a Committee Bill must pass all Stages of Bills, as defined in Rules 11.10 to 11.13. Rule 11.6 Government Bills 1. A Bill introduced by a member of the Government, as defined in Rule 5.2, shall be referred to as a Government Bill. 2. The Prime Minister, if not the Representative in Charge of a Government Bill, shall be a sponsor to all Government Bills. 3. A Government Bill shall be treated in a similar fashion as all other Bills, and shall not be given any special status. 4. A Government Bill must pass all Stages of Bills, as defined in Rules 11.10 to 11.13. Rule 11.7 Executive Bills 1. A Bill introduced by the President of the Republic shall be referred to as an Executive Bill. 2. An Executive Bill may only be introduced in Parliament by the President. The President shall not have voting rights on an Executive Bill, but may join in on debates concerning the Bill. 3. An Executive Bill becomes Law upon the signature of the Speaker of Parliament, following adoption by Parliament, without prejudice to Rule 11.17.2. 4. An Executive Bill shall be treated in a similar fashion as all other Bills, and shall not be given any special status. 5. An Executive Bill must pass all Stages of Bills, as defined in Rules 11.10 to 11.13. Rule 11.8 Budget Bills 1. The Parliament, within three (3) months of its inaugural meeting, shall introduce a Budget Bill to the Parliament. 2. The Budget Bill may be introduced only by the Minister of Finance, or a member of the Finance Committee appointed by the Minister in their place. 3. The Budget Bill shall be authored by the Minister of Finance, with assistance from the Treasury Chairman. 4. At Stage 1 of a Budget Bill, the Bill shall be introduced to the Parliament for consideration of its general principles and a decision on whether they are agreed to. The Speaker's Council shall in the Parliamentary Agenda allow for a satisfactory period of time for debate on the general principles. 5. Stage 2 shall be taken by the Finance Committee. At Stage 2 the Finance Committee must consider any proposals made during Stage 1. 6. Stage 3 shall begin no earlier than seven (7) days after the introduction of the Bill. If Stage 3 is not completed before the expiry of twenty-eight (28) days after introduction of the Bill, the Bill falls. 7. Amendments to a Budget Bill may be moved, and notice of amendments to such a Bill may be given,

23

only by a member of the Government or of the Finance Committee. 8. If a Budget Bill falls or is rejected at any Stage by the Parliament, a Budget Bill in the same or similar terms may be introduced at any time thereafter. 9. If Parliament does not adopt a Budget Bill within one (1) month of the beginning of the Budgetary Year, the Budget for the previous Budgetary Year shall be adopted by the Parliament until such a time as a new Budget has been adopted. Rule 11.9 Emergency Bills 1. Any Representative may by motion propose that any Bill introduced in the Parliament be treated as an Emergency Bill. If the Parliament agrees to such a motion, the remaining provisions of this Rule shall apply to such a Bill. 2. Unless the Parliament decides otherwise on a motion of the Speaker's Council, Stages 1 to 3 of an Emergency Bill shall be taken in a single meeting of the Parliament. The time available for each of the Stages of an Emergency Bill, and for debates at each of those Stages, shall be decided by the Parliament on a motion of the Speaker's Council. 3. At Stage 1, an Emergency Bill shall be referred immediately to the Parliament for consideration of its general principles. The Parliament shall decide, on a motion of the Representative in Charge of the Bill, whether to agree to those general principles. 4. Stage 2 of an Emergency Bill shall be taken by a Committee of the Whole Parliament. 5. An Emergency Bill may be amended at Stage 2 only. 6. Where a Representative intends to move an amendment to an Emergency Bill at Stage 2, that Representative shall give such notice of the amendment to the Speaker, who shall allow for its proposal, in accordance with Rule 11.15. 7. Stage 2 shall end once the Parliament deposed of any amendments to an Emergency Bill and agreed to the Bill by a simple majority. 8. Unless otherwise determined by the Speaker of Parliament, Stage 3 of an Emergency Bill shall not commence until at least fifteen (15) minutes have passed since debate on Stage 2 of the Bill has ended. 9. An Emergency Bill shall require an absolute majority to be adopted. 10. The Bill shall be signed by the Speaker, the Prime Minister, the Clerk of Parliament, the Representative in Charge, and any direct sponsors to the Bill. 11. The President of the Republic shall be called to attend the meeting of Parliament and be instructed to consider the signing into Law of the Emergency Bill immediately following the adoption of the Bill by the Parliament. 12. The Supreme Court may strike down an Emergency Bill within seven (7) days of its promulgation by the President, if it is deemed unconstitutional. Rule 11.10 Stages of Bills 1. The procedure for a Bill introduced in the Parliament shall be: (a) consideration of the Bills general principles and a decision on whether to agree to them shall be referred to as Stage 1, pursuant to Rule 11.11; (b) consideration of the details of the Bill, and amendments in keeping with the general principles, in a Committee shall be referred to as Stage 2, pursuant to Rule 11.12; and (c) final consideration and debate of the Bill and a decision whether to pass or reject it shall be referred to as Stage 3, pursuant to Rule 11.13. 2. Each proposed Bill must pass through the three Stages, as defined in Rules 11.11 to 11.13, unless otherwise stated in these Rules. 3. The Parliamentary Agenda shall set out the time or times at which each Stage, or any part of any Stage, of a Bill is to be taken by a Committee of the Whole Parliament or at a meeting of the Parliament. In the case of a Stage to be taken in whole or in part by a Committee (other than a Committee of the Whole Parliament), notice that the Stage or part of the Stage is to be taken shall be given in the agenda for the relevant Committee meeting. 4. The minimum period that must elapse between the day on which Stage 1 is completed and the day on which Stage 2 starts is two (2) days. 5. The minimum period that must elapse between the day on which Stage 2 is completed and the day on which Stage 3 starts is two (2) days.

24

6. If a Bill falls or is rejected by the Parliament, no further proceedings shall be taken on the Bill and a Bill in the same or similar terms may not be introduced in the same Session of the Parliament within the period of one (1) month from the date on which the Bill fell or was rejected. 7. A Bill introduced in a Session of the Parliament falls if it has not been passed by the Parliament before the end of that Session but a Bill in the same or similar terms may be introduced in any subsequent Session. 8. No two Bills of similar content or topic may be at any Stage at the same time. If there are more than one such Bill at any Stage at the same time, the Speaker's Council shall convene the Representative in Charge of all Bills in question, and either: (a) ask the Representative in Charge of each Bill to either withdraw their Bill, or reintroduce a new Bill together (b) create an Investigative Committee for the purpose of consolidating the Bills; or (c) if no agreement is made in relation to Rules 11.10.8(a) and 11.10.8(b), the Speaker's Council shall deem the Bills withdrawn and no such Bill may be proposed at the same Session of Parliament. 9. A Bill which has been passed by the Parliament may additionally be subject to reconsideration at a later time in accordance with Rule 11.17. Rule 11.11 Stage 1 (Introduction Stage) 1. Once a proposal for a Bill has been deemed to fulfil the determined requirements and has been published by the Clerk of Parliament, the Speaker's Council shall allocate a time on the Parliamentary Agenda for the introduction of the Bill at a meeting of Parliament. 2. The Representative in Charge of the Bill shall introduce the Bill at a meeting of Parliament, detailing the general principles of the Bill. 3. Any Representative may, by a motion to the Speaker of Parliament, request that the Bill be read in its entirety. If the motion is agreed to by the Speaker, the Bill shall be read in its entirety by the Representative in Charge. 4. The Speaker shall allow for debate on the general principles of the Bill. 5. Any specific comments expressed in relation to the Bill shall be noted by the Clerk, who shall refer them to the Committee assigned as the Lead Committee in Rule 11.11.7. 6. Once the general principles of the Bill have been debated upon, the Parliament shall consider the general principles of the Bill and, on a motion of the Representative in Charge of the Bill, decide whether to agree to those general principles. 7. If the Parliament agrees on the general principles of the Bill, the Speaker shall, by motion, refer the Bill to a Committee for Stage 2. The Committee shall be designated as the Lead Committee. If the Parliament rejects the Bills general principles the Bill falls, and a Bill on the same or similar terms may not be submitted to the Parliament for one (1) month. Rule 11.12 Stage 2 (Committee Stage) 1. If the Parliament has agreed to the Bills general principles at Stage 1, the Speaker's Council shall: (a) refer the Bill to a Committee to take Stage 2 of the Bill, as the Lead Committee; (b) by motion propose that Stage 2 of the Bill be taken, in whole or in part, by a Committee of the Whole Parliament; or (c) by motion, where the subject matter of the Bill falls within the remit of more than one Committee, create a Joint Committee in accordance with Rule 8.11. 2. At Stage 2, the Committee assigned with the Bill shall consider the general principles of the Bill referred to it at Stage 1, make proposals for amendments, and determine the text of the Bill for final proposal prior to Stage 3. 3. In considering the general principles of the Bill and preparing the final proposal, the Lead Committee shall take into account any views expressed by the Parliament at Stage 1. 4. The Lead Committee shall consult the Finance Committee on any provisions of the Bill relating to financial considerations. 5. The Representative in Charge of the Bill may, at the discretion of the Convener of the Committee, be invited to attend the Committee meeting where Stage 2 of the Bill is being debated. The Representative in Charge shall attend to provide the Committee with information and argue for the Bill. The Representative in Charge may not vote in the Committee proceedings, and their presence is at the

25

discretion of the Convener of the Committee. 6. If the Lead Committee on a Bill is not satisfied with the general principles of a Bill, and has by resolution decided to abandon the Bill, the Convener of the Committee shall notify the Representative in Charge of the Bill of this decision, along with a statement detailing the reasons for the its abandonment. If the Representative in Charge is not satisfied with the reasons stated, he or she may lodge a complaint with the Speaker's Council. The Speaker's Council shall make a decision on the complaint within seven (7) days, and if the Speaker's Council deems: (a) the decision of the Committee valid, the Representative in Charge shall be notified immediately, with a statement; or (b) the decision of the Committee not valid, the Representative in Charge and the Convener of the Lead Committee in question shall be notified immediately, with a statement. The Lead Committee shall convene to reconsider the Bill. 7. Following passage at Stage 2, the Lead Committee shall inform the Representative in Charge of the Bill and the Clerk of Parliament with the revised text of the Bill. The Clerk shall publish the text of the final proposal and notify the Speaker's Council, which shall allocate time for Stage 3 of the Bill in the Parliamentary Agenda. 8. Any Representative may notify the Clerk of that Representative's support for a final proposal of a Bill during the period between the day the final proposal is published and Stage 3 of the Bill. Rule 11.13 Stage 3 (Decision Stage) 1. Stage 3 of a Bill shall be taken at a meeting of the Parliament, after the Lead Committee at Stage 2 has lodged the final proposal for a Bill following Stage 2. 2. At Stage 3, the Parliament shall decide, on a motion of the Representative in Charge of the Bill, whether the Bill be adopted as an Act of Parliament. 3. At the time allocated in the Parliamentary Agenda, the Representative in Charge of the Bill shall introduce the final proposal for the Bill by reading the text of the Bill. 4. Any sponsors of the Bill shall be allowed to speak on behalf of the Bill. Time shall be allocated for Representatives to debate against the Bill. 5. A Bill may be amended at Stage 3. Notice of an amendment may be given by any Representative after completion of Stage 2, by lodging them in writing with the Clerk of Parliament. 6. The Speaker of Parliament may select, as the Speaker sees fit, those amendments that are to be taken at Stage 3 from amongst the admissible amendments of which notice has been given, and allocate time for them on the Agenda. 7. Before Stage 3 begins, the Parliament may, on a motion of the Speaker's Council, agree to one or more time-limits that are to apply to debates on amendments (as they have been grouped by the Speaker). The minimum time to be allocated for debate at Stage 3 of any Bill shall be ten (10) minutes. 8. Any Representative may, by motion without notice, propose that time allocated for debate at Stage 3 may be extended. Such a motion may be taken only with the agreement of the Speaker and may not be debated or amended. If the motion is disagreed to, no further motion to extend debate may be moved. Debate may not be extended by more than fifteen (15) minutes under this Rule. 9. Unless the Parliament has decided, on a motion of the Speaker's Council, the order in which amendments are to be disposed of, they shall be disposed of in the order in which the articles and sections to which they relate arise in the Bill. Amendments to the title shall be taken last. 10. At the beginning of Stage 3, any Representative may, by motion propose, that the Bill or any part of the Bill be referred back to Committee for further Stage 2 consideration. Such a motion requires an absolute majority. If the motion is agreed to, the proceedings are adjourned to a time to be determined by the Speaker's Council, which shall refer the Bill to a Committee in accordance with the Parliaments decision. When the Stage 3 proceedings resume the Bill may be amended, but amendments are only admissible if they are to the provisions that were referred back to Committee or if they are necessary in consequence of any amendment made at the further Stage 2 proceedings. 11. At Stage 3 a Bill may be referred back to Committee for further Stage 2 consideration only once. 12. At the end of the allocated time for debate at Stage 3, the Speaker shall, by motion, call for a vote on the Bill. 13. If the Parliament votes to adopt the Bill, the Representative in Charge, Speaker of Parliament and Clerk of Parliament shall sign the Bill, and pass it on to the President of the Republic.

26

14. Where a Bill falls at Stage 3, a proposal in the same or similar terms may not be lodged by any Representative during the same Session within one (1) month of that Bill falling. Rule 11.14 Representative in Charge 1. The primary initiator of any Bill shall be known as the Representative in Charge, and shall be the primary speaker on behalf of a Bill and shall sign the Bill upon successful adoption by the Parliament. 2. The Representative in Charge of a Parliamentary Bill is the Representative who introduced the Bill, or another Representative appointed by them. 3. The Representative in Charge of a Committee Bill is the Convener of the Committee which made the proposal for the Bill, or another member of the Committee appointed by them. 4. The Representative in Charge of a Government Bill is the Prime Minister, or another member of the Government appointed by them. 5. The Representative in Charge of an Executive Bill is the President of the Republic. 6. The Representative in Charge of a Budget Bill is the Minister of Finance, or a member of the Finance Committee appointed by the Minister in their place. 7. The Representative in Charge of an Emergency Bill shall be the Representative who introduces the Bill, or another Representative appointed by them. Rule 11.15 Amendments to Bills 1. Amendments to Bills may be made at Stage 2 and Stage 3. 2. Amendments at Stage 2 may only be made by members of the Lead Committee. 3. Amendments at Stage 3 may be made by any Representative. Such amendments shall be lodged in writing to the Clerk of Parliament, prior to the close of the time allocated for debate on the Bill in question. 4. Notice of an amendment shall set out the text of the amendment, together with the name of the Representative proposing it. The Representative in Charge of the Bill (if not the Representative proposing the amendment) and up to four (4) other members may indicate their support for an amendment by notifying the Clerk at any time during the period when notice of that amendment may be given. 5. The Speaker of Parliament shall determine any dispute as to whether an amendment of which the Clerk has been given notice is admissible. 6. An amendment is admissible unless: (a) it is not in proper form; (b) it is not relevant to the Bill or the provisions of the Bill which it would amend; (c) it is inconsistent with the general principles of the Bill as agreed by the Parliament at Stage 1; or (d) it is inconsistent with a decision already taken at the Stage at which the amendment is proposed. 7. An amendment may be made to an amendment and this Rule shall apply accordingly. 8. An amendment may be withdrawn by the Representative who lodged it at any time during the period when notice of that amendment may be given, but only with the unanimous agreement of any Representatives who have indicated their support for the amendment. If such agreement is not obtained, the amendment becomes an amendment in the name of the Representative who first indicated that Representative's support for the amendment and who does not agree to the amendment being withdrawn. 9. An amendment to insert a new article or section shall normally specify where it is to be inserted and shall be disposed of accordingly. 10. An amendment to an amendment shall be disposed of before the amendment that it would amend. 11. The Representative moving an amendment may speak in support of it. The Representative in Charge of the Bill may also speak on the amendment. Other members may speak on an amendment at the discretion of the Speaker. 12. If a Representative who has given notice of an amendment does not move the amendment when that amendment comes to be disposed of, the amendment may be moved by any other Representative present at those proceedings. 13. An amendment may be withdrawn by the Representative who moved it, but only if no Representative present at those proceedings objects.

27

Rule 11.16 Withdrawal of Bills 1. The Representative in Charge of a Bill may at any point during the Stages of a Bill withdraw the Bill from consideration by notifying the Clerk of Parliament. 2. Upon the notification of the withdrawal of a Bill, the Speaker of Parliament shall announce the withdrawal to the Parliament and make the appropriate changes to the Parliamentary Agenda. 3. Withdrawal of a Bill may not be debated or amended. A proposal on the same or similar terms may be lodged at any time after the withdrawal of a Bill. Rule 11.17 Reconsideration, Referendum and Repeal of Laws 1. Within seven (7) days of the adoption of a Bill by the Parliament, the President of the Republic, by means of written and reasoned request to the Speaker of Parliament, may require that a law be reconsidered. If the Parliament does not amend the Act of Parliament, the President may not raise objections a second time. 2. The President shall have the right to suspend the signing of an Act of Parliament into Law for a period of one (1) month if so requested by not less than one-third (1/3) of Representatives within seven (7) days of the adoption of the Act by the Parliament. After the one (1) month suspension, the Act must be put to a national referendum, unless Parliament votes, with a super majority, to reinstate the Act. Any Act may only be suspended once. 3. The Budget and any Acts concerning significant financial considerations, the Defence Forces, declaration and commencement of war, peace treaties, declaration of a state of emergency and its termination, mobilisation and demobilisation, as well as agreements with other nations may not be submitted to national referendum. 4. An Act adopted by the Parliament and suspended pursuant to the procedures specified in Rule 11.17.2 shall be repealed by national referendum if the majority of the voting public has voted for repeal of the law. 5. Should the Parliament, by not less than a super majority, determine a law to be urgent, the President may not request reconsideration of such law, it may not be submitted to national referendum, and the adopted law shall be proclaimed no later than the third day after the President has received it. 6. Parliament may, on a motion of no less than two-fifths (2/5) of the membership, request the reconsideration of any Act of Parliament. 7. Parliament may, on a motion of no less than three-fifths (3/5) of the membership, introduce a Parliamentary Bill to repeal a Law of the Republic. 8. Requirements stated in Rules 11.17.1 and 11.17.2 may be waived on a motion of the Speaker's Council. 9. Rule 11.17 does not apply to the Articles of the Constitution, which can only be amended in accordance with Rule 18.3 of these Rules, and Chapter XIV of the Constitution. 10. No Law may be brought up for reconsideration or repeal unless at least three (3) months have passed since its promulgation. 11. Rule 11.17.10 does not apply if Parliament is dissolved within the three (3) month time period. 12. All reconsiderations and repeals of Laws shall only be taken by a Committee of the Whole Parliament. Rule 11.18 Publishing of Bills 1. The Clerk of Parliament shall publish all proposals of Bills: (a) after the proposal has been lodged prior to Stage 1; (b) after the Lead Committee has submitted the final proposal after Stage 2; and (c) after the Lead Committee has reconsidered a Bill that has been moved for reconsideration by Parliament in accordance with Rule 11.13.10. 2. Bills adopted by the Parliament as Acts of Parliament shall be published by the Clerk after the President of the Republic has signed the Act into Law, in accordance with Rule 11.20. 3. The manner of publishing shall be at the discretion of the Speaker's Council. 4. All Representatives and the President must be provided with an electronic copy of the Bill at all its Stages, in accordance with Rule 11.18.1. Rule 11.19 Signature of Acts Adopted by Parliament 1. Following a successful vote and adoption by Parliament following Stage 3, each Bill shall be signed by the Representative in Charge, any sponsors, the Speaker of Parliament and the Clerk of Parliament.

28

2. All Government Bills shall also be signed by the Prime Minister. 3. All Executive Bills shall be signed by the President, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Clerk of Parliament. 4. Bills undertaken by the Committee of the Whole Parliament shall be signed by the Representative in Charge, the Prime Minister, the Clerk of Parliament, and the Speaker of Parliament. 5. Upon the signing of a Bill, as defined in Rules 11.19.1 to 11.19.4, a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament. 6. Following the successful vote, adoption and signing of Bills in Parliament, the Clerk of Parliament shall provide the Act of Parliament in question, normally within three (3) days, to the President of the Republic for signature and promulgation. Rule 11.20 Signing into Law and Promulgation 1. Following the adoption of a Bill into an Act of Parliament, as set by Rule 11.19, the President of the Republic shall sign each Act into Law within fourteen (14) days of adoption. 2. Except in cases where the President has referred the Act to the Supreme Court, returned it to the Parliament for reconsideration under Rule 11.17.1, or the signing of the Act has been suspended under Rule 11.17.2, an Act shall be considered to have been signed into Law if the President has not signed it within fourteen (14) days. 3. All Laws of the Republic shall be promulgated to the public by the President following the signing of them by the President. 4. Executive Bills shall be considered to have been signed into Law following the successful adoption of the Bill by the Parliament and the signing of it by the Speaker of Parliament, without prejudice to Rules 11.17.1 and 11.17.2.

Chapter 12 Voting and Decisions of the Parliament

Rule 12.1 Decisions of the Parliament 1. All decisions of the Parliament shall be taken by resolution. 2. A matter requiring a decision of the Parliament shall be decided by a question being put to a meeting of the Parliament by the Speaker of Parliament on a motion or amendment being moved by a Representative. The question shall be that the motion or amendment be agreed to. 3. All questions on motions shall be put in the order in which the motions were moved, including during Decision Time. 4. Where any question requires to be put to the Parliament, it shall be put in accordance with Rule 12.2 to 12.4. Rule 12.2 Right to Vote 1. Only Representatives have a right to vote at a meeting of the Parliament. A Representative is not obliged to vote and may abstain from any vote. 2. A Representative shall vote only in person and shall not vote on behalf of any other Representative. 3. A Representative may vote although that Representative did not hear the question put. 4. A Representative shall vote only once on any question except where the Speaker of Parliament asks Representatives to cast their votes again. 5. Except in the case of a vote at an election or a selection process under Rules 3.3 or 5.1, the Speaker shall exercise a casting vote in the event of a tie in any vote at a meeting of the Parliament, but shall not otherwise vote in the Parliament. Rule 12.3 Manner of Voting and Recording of Votes 1. Representatives shall vote at a meeting of the Parliament or of a Committee of the Whole Parliament in a manner determined by the Speaker of Parliament. If no manner of voting is specified by the Speaker, voting shall be by a show of hands. 2. Questions on Stage 3 of a Bill shall always be taken by open ballot or roll call.

29

3. Decisions in Parliament may be taken by open ballot, roll call, show of hands, secret ballot, or standing
vote. 4. The Speaker may, by motion, propose any other manner of voting that he or she may deem appropriate for a specific vote. 5. Following the announcement of the manner of voting, the Speaker shall, where applicable, allocate a period of time for the vote. 6. In a show of hands vote, Representatives shall raise their hand according to their vote when instructed to do so by the Speaker. 7. In a standing vote, Representatives shall stand according to their vote when instructed to do so by the Speaker. 8. In a secret ballot vote, each Representative shall acquire a ballot from the Clerk of Parliament, on which they shall immediately record either Aye, Nay or Abstain and return the ballot to the Clerk. 9. In an open ballot vote, each Representative shall be provided with a ballot bearing their name, on which they shall record either Aye, Nay or Abstain. 10. In a roll call vote, the roll shall be called in alphabetical order by the Clerk. Each Representative shall, when instructed to do so by the Speaker, express their vote by stating Aye, Nay or Abstain. 11. The result of each vote shall be marked in the Minutes of the meeting by the Clerk. The manner of voting shall be noted, and votes shall be recorded as follows: (a) votes by secret ballot, show of hands, or standing vote shall only mark the numerical result of the vote; and (b) votes by open ballot, roll call or division shall note how each Representative has voted. 12. If any Representative disagrees with the manner in which the vote is taken, it shall be taken by division, in accordance with Rule 12.4. Rule 12.4 Divisions 1. A division shall be held where it is required by Rule 12.3.12 and shall be conducted in accordance with the following provisions. 2. Division shall be taken by any appropriate manner decided by the Speaker. 3. The Speaker of Parliament shall repeat the question. The Speaker shall then ask Representatives to vote within a specified period of time. 4. Once the Speaker has repeated the question, no one except the Speaker may speak until the Speaker has declared that the specified period of time has ended. 5. Points of order concerning the validity of the division may be raised only after the Speaker has declared that the specified period of time has ended. 6. The Speaker shall establish the numerical result of the division and shall announce the numbers of votes for and against and the number of votes to abstain. 7. In the event of a tie, the Speaker shall exercise a casting vote. Rule 12.5 Decision Time 1. Where the Parliamentary Agenda for a meeting of Parliament contains a significant number of Bills at Stage 3, the Speaker of Parliament, on a motion of the Speaker's Council, may decide all such decisions to be taken at Decision Time towards the end of a meeting of Parliament. Time shall be allocated for Decision Time on the Agenda. 2. Motions, other than Bills, may not be voted upon during Decision Time. 3. The time allocated for Decision Time shall not be more than thirty (30) minutes. 4. All votes during Decision Time shall be by open ballot, unless it is moved by any Representative that a specific vote shall be taken by division or any other manner, pursuant to Rule 12.6. Such decisions shall be taken after the end of the allocated time for Decision Time, or moved to the following meeting of Parliament. 5. During Decision Time, the Speaker shall repeat the title, sponsor(s) and a short summary of all Stage 3 Bills attended to at the meeting. After all Bills have been reintroduced by the Speaker, Representatives shall proceed to vote on all the mentioned Bills. 6. There shall be no debate on the Bills during Decision Time. 7. At the end of Decision Time the Speaker shall announce the results of each vote in the order that they

30

were introduced to Parliament. 8. The Parliament may, on a motion of any Representative moved without notice before the end of Decision Time, resolve that decisions which have not been taken by the time the motion is moved are to be taken at a later meeting of the Parliament. Representatives shall be notified of the day and time when such decisions are to be taken. Rule 12.6 Decisions in Committees 1. Except as provided in any direction given to a Committee by the Parliament, members of a Committee (other than a Committee of the Whole Parliament) or Sub-Committee shall vote by show of hands unless, before they do so, a member of the Committee or Sub-Committee requests a roll call vote, as described in Rule 12.3.10, and the Convener agrees to that request. 2. Each decision within a Committee shall be taken individually immediately after debate, in a manner specified by the Convener of the Committee or Sub-Committee. 3. If an amendment to a Bill is moved, the Convener shall put the question on that amendment immediately after any debate on that amendment or, if the amendment has already been debated, immediately after the amendment is moved. If any member disagrees with the question put under this paragraph, there shall immediately be a division. 4. The Convener of a Committee or Sub-Committee shall only exercise a casting vote in the event of a tie. Rule 12.7 Simple, Absolute and Super Majority 1. Any decision of the Parliament shall require a simple majority unless otherwise expressly stated in any enactment or in these Rules. 2. A simple majority means that the number of Representatives voting for a proposition is more than the number of Representatives voting against that proposition. No account shall be taken of any Representatives who vote to abstain. 3. An absolute majority means that the number of Representatives voting for a proposition is more than half of the total number of seats for Representatives in the Parliament or, in the case of a Committee or Sub-Committee, more than half of the number of members of that Committee or Sub-Committee. 4. A super majority means that the number of Representatives voting for a proposition is more than twothirds (2/3) of the total number of seats of Representatives in the Parliament or, in the case of a Committee or Sub-Committee, more than two-thirds (2/3) of members of that Committee or SubCommittee.

Chapter 13 Statements and Parliamentary Questions

Rule 13.1 Personal Statements 1. Any Representative may, at the discretion of the Speaker of Parliament, make a personal statement to a meeting of the Parliament. 2. A Representative wishing to make a personal statement shall notify the Speaker that the Representative wishes to do so, who shall allocate a time for it on the Parliamentary Agenda. 3. Where a personal statement is made, it may not be debated. Rule 13.2 Ministerial Statements 1. Where a member of the Government wishes to make a statement to a meeting of the Parliament, notice shall be given to the Speaker of Parliament, who shall allocate a time for it on the Parliamentary Agenda. 2. A ministerial statement may be debated. Rule 13.3 Questions to the Government and the Executive 1. Any Representative may put a question to the Prime Minister, member of the Government, the President of the Republic or any other chief official for answer in the Parliament.

31

2. Questions shall be in writing and lodged with the Clerk of Parliament. 3. A question shall: (a) be brief, clearly worded, and address specific points; (b) relate to a matter for which the individual questioned bears general responsibility; (c) be prefaced by the name of the Representative asking it; (d) not contain offensive language; (e) not express a point of view; and (f) not breach any enactment, rule, law or be contrary to the public interest. 4. A question shall specify whether it is for a written answer (written answer) or for an oral answer (oral answer). 5. Written answers shall be lodged with the Clerk, who shall arrange for the answers to be published and notify the Representative who posed the question. 6. Oral answers shall be given at Question Time, in accordance with Rule 13.5. 7. A question may be withdrawn by the Representative who lodged it at any time before it is answered by notifying the Clerk. A question which is withdrawn shall not receive an answer. 8. Any dispute as to whether a question is admissible shall be determined by the Speaker. Rule 13.4 Emergency Questions 1. Where an oral question is of an urgent nature the Representative lodging it may request that it be answered without delay. The Clerk of Parliament shall notify the Speaker of Parliament of the lodging of such a question as soon as possible after it is lodged. 2. If an emergency question is, in the opinion of the Speaker, sufficiently urgent, the Speaker shall allow the question to be put and answered without delay during the meeting of the Parliament. 3. An emergency question concerning a matter for which the Prime Minister is alone responsible shall normally be answered by the Prime Minister but may exceptionally be answered by any other member of the Government. 4. When an emergency question is taken it may be asked only by the Representative who lodged it. 5. After an emergency question is answered, at the discretion of the Speaker, any Representative may ask further supplementary questions. 6. A Representative asking an emergency question shall, in asking the question, not depart from the terms of the question. 7. A Representative may ask a supplementary question only on the same subject matter as the original question and shall, in asking the question, do so briefly. Rule 13.5 Question Time 1. When oral questions have been lodged, in accordance with Rule 13.3, the Speaker's Council shall allocate a time on the Parliamentary Agenda for oral answers. 2. During Question Time, the questions shall be answered in the order that they were lodged. 3. Only the Representative who lodged the question may ask the question, and may ask one (1) supplementary question. The supplementary question shall not depart from the terms of, and must be on the same subject matter as, the original question. 4. The Speaker of Parliament, if they so see fit, may allow for brief oral questions to be put without notice.

Chapter 14 Parliamentary Confirmation

Rule 14.1 General Rules 1. Parliament may be required to confirm the nomination of certain officials if one-third (1/3) of Representatives so request by lodging a motion with the Clerk of Parliament. 2. The Speaker's Council shall allocate a time for parliamentary confirmation in the Parliamentary Agenda and notify the individual in question of the time and date of the confirmation hearing.

32

3. The Speaker of Parliament shall act as the chair of any Parliamentary Confirmation hearings. 4. Representatives may present questions to the nominee for answer, at the discretion of the Speaker. 5. Questions shall concern the qualifications and experience of the nominee, in relation to the position. The Speaker shall determine any dispute concerning the relevancy of questions. 6. At the end of the time allocated, Parliament shall decide on the nomination of the individuals in question by a simple majority. 7. Parliamentary confirmation shall not take place if the individual in question is not present. Rule 14.2 Confirmation of Chief Officials 1. Chief officials to state institutions may be subject to parliamentary confirmation, in accordance with Rule 14.1. 2. The President of the Republic, Speaker of Parliament, Treasury Chairman, the Media Secretary, and other publicly elected officials are not subject to Rule 14.2.1. Rule 14.3 Confirmation of Cabinet Ministers 1. Any Cabinet Members who are not Representatives in the Parliament may be subject to parliamentary confirmation, in accordance with Rule 14.1. Rule 14.4 Confirmation of Justices 1. Justices to the Courts and to the Supreme Court, appointed by the President, may be subject to parliamentary confirmation, in accordance with Rule 14.1.

Chapter 15 Openness and Accessibility

Rule 15.1 Meetings in Public 1. The meetings of the Parliament shall be held in public, subject to Rule 6.2.6, and meetings of any Committee or Sub-Committee shall be held in public, subject to Rule 9.4.7. 2. Rule 15.1 is subject to the conditions which require to be complied with by any member of the public attending the proceedings of the Parliament as mentioned in Rule 15.2. Rule 15.2 Public Access 1. Members of the public shall be admitted to the public gallery during any open meeting of the Parliament, and shall comply with such reasonable conditions as the Speaker of Parliament may determine and notify to them. 2. The Speaker may order that any member of the public who does not, in the opinion of the Speaker, comply with any of those conditions shall leave the public gallery and may order that any such person be excluded from the proceedings of the Parliament for such period as the Speaker considers appropriate. 3. This Rule shall apply to meetings of Committees as it applies to meetings of the Parliament with such modifications as are appropriate. Rule 15.3 Access to the Chamber 1. Subject to Rule 15.3.2, no person other than a Representative may enter the chamber during a meeting of the Parliament except: (a) the President of the Republic; (b) the Treasury Chairman; (c) the Media Secretary; (d) the Attorney-General; (e) the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; (f) a Supreme Court Judge; (g) a Cabinet Minister;

33

(h) a person authorised to do so by the Speaker of Parliament; (i) a person addressing the Parliament in accordance Rule 15.3.3; (j) any other person required, invited or permitted by the Parliament to attend a meeting of the Parliament; and (k) the Clerk or any person authorised by the Clerk. 2. Any person mention in 15.3.1 may be required to leave the chamber or prevented from entering the chamber by order of the Speaker. 3. Any person may, on the invitation of the Parliament, address the Parliament. Rule 15.4 Petitions 1. The Parliament shall consider, in accordance with the provisions of this Rule and Rules 15.5 to 15.8, any petition addressed to it. A petition may be brought by an individual person (other than a Representative), a body corporate or an unincorporated association of persons. 2. A petition shall clearly indicate: (a) the name of the petitioner; (b) an address of the petitioner to which all communications concerning the petition should be sent; and (c) the name and address of any person supporting the petition. 3. The Speaker's Council shall determine the proper form of petitions and shall publish its determinations in such manner as it considers appropriate. 4. A petition may be lodged with the Clerk at any time when Parliament is in Session. Petitions may be lodged or sent by the petitioner or by a Representative on behalf of the petitioner. Rule 15.5 Admissibility of Petitions 1. A petition is admissible unless it: (a) does not comply with Rule 15.4.2 or is otherwise not in proper form; (b) contains language which is offensive; (c) requests the Parliament to do anything which the Parliament clearly has no power to do; or (d) is the same as, or in substantially similar terms to, a petition brought by or on behalf of the same person, body corporate or unincorporated association during the same Session of the Parliament and which was closed less than a year earlier. 2. The Speaker's Council shall consider and decide in a case of dispute whether a petition is admissible and shall notify the petitioner of its decision and of the reasons for that decision. Rule 15.6 Action on Petitions 1. If a petition is admissible, the Speaker's Council shall take such action as it considers appropriate in relation to that petition. 2. The Speaker's Council may: (a) refer the petition to the Government, any Parliamentary Committee, or any other person or body for them to take such action as they consider appropriate; (b) report to the Parliament; (c) take any other action which the Speaker's Council considers appropriate; or (d) close the petition under Rule 15.7. 3. The Speaker's Council shall notify the petitioner of any action taken under paragraph 2. Rule 15.7 Closing Petitions 1. The Speaker's Council, or a Committee to which a petition has been referred, may close a petition at any time. 2. Where the Speaker's Council or a Committee closes a petition it shall notify the petitioner that the petition is closed and of the reasons for closing it. Rule 15.8 Notification 1. Any notification to a petitioner under Rule 15.5.2, 15.6.3 or 15.7.2 shall be made as soon as practicable after the action or decision to which the notification relates.

34

Chapter 16 Laying and Publication of Documents

Rule 16.1 Laying of Reports and other Documents 1. Where a report or other document is required or authorised to be laid before the Parliament, the lodging of a copy of that report or document with the Clerk of Parliament shall be treated for all purposes as being the laying of it before the Parliament. 2. The Clerk may require the person laying the report or document to provide such additional copies as the Clerk considers necessary. 3. A report or other document may be laid before the Parliament at any time when the office of the Clerk is open. 4. No report or other document shall be laid before the Parliament unless it is required or authorised to be laid under an enactment or otherwise or it is laid by a member of the Government. 5. The Clerk shall ensure that notice of any report or other document laid before the Parliament is published in the Parliamentary Calendar. The notice shall give the title of the report or document. Rule 16.2 Publication of Documents 1. Where, under these Rules, the Clerk of Parliament is required to publish any document, the Clerk shall arrange for their publication. 2. If the Parliament so decides, the Clerk shall publish any report or other document laid before the Parliament. 3. In these Rules, document means anything in which information is recorded in any form. Rule 16.3 Classified Documents 1. Certain documents of the Parliament and its organs may be deemed Classified if Parliament so decides by a super majority. 2. Any document may only be deemed to be Classified for a maximum period of ten (10) years, unless otherwise decided by four-fifths (4/5) of Representatives. Rule 16.4 Relations with the Executive 1. The President of the Republic, the Treasury Chairman and the Media Secretary shall receive all documents available to Representatives, unless otherwise decided by the Speaker of Parliament. 2. The President, Treasury Chairman and the Media Secretary shall treat all such documents as confidential, unless the Speaker's Council has decided that the documents are public.

Chapter 17 Reporting of Proceedings

Rule 17.1 Minutes of Proceedings 1. Minutes of the proceedings at each meeting of the Parliament shall be drawn up by the Clerk of Parliament. 2. The Minutes shall record all the items of business taken by the Parliament at that meeting and the results of any decisions taken and of any divisions and elections which took place. 3. The Clerk shall arrange for the Minutes of proceedings to be published as soon as possible by whatever means is considered appropriate. Rule 17.2 Recording the Roll 1. The Clerk of Parliament shall, at the start of each meeting, make a note of all Representatives present at the meeting of Parliament, by calling out the name of each Representative, in alphabetical order. 2. The Representatives present and absent from the meeting shall be recorded in the Minutes of the Meeting.

35

Rule 17.3 Recording of Decisions 1. The Clerk of Parliament shall make an accurate record of all decisions made by Parliament, noting the method of voting and the result of each vote. Rule 17.4 Publication of Official Documents 1. The Clerk of Parliament shall arrange for the publication of the following official documents of the Parliament: (a) the Minutes of Parliamentary Meetings; (b) all Stages of proposals for Bills, except when taken by a Committee of the Whole Parliament; (c) the Parliamentary Agenda; (d) any reported findings of Investigative Committees; and (e) any other documentation deemed valid under this Rule by the Speaker's Council or these Rules of Procedure. 2. At the end of the Parliamentary Session, the Clerk shall publish a complete list of all Acts of Parliament taken in that Session, any other pertinent decisions taken by Parliament, as well as all proposals for Bills which have been deemed as falling at the dissolution of Parliament.

Chapter 18 Review and Amending the Rules of Procedure

Rule 18.1 Amendments to the Rules of Procedure 1. The Parliament may, on a motion of the Administration Committee, amend these Rules of Procedure. Any decision of the Administration Committee shall be treated as a proposal for a Bill to amend the Rules. 2. Any Representative may, on a motion, propose amendments to these Rules of Procedure at any point during the time that the Parliament is in Session. Any proposals shall be forwarded to the Administration Committee for review. 3. For Parliament to amend the Rules shall require an absolute majority. Rule 18.2 Annual Review 1. The Speaker's Council shall, in the Parliamentary Calendar and Agenda, provide for a time of review of these Rules of Procedure at least once in a Session of Parliament. 2. Each Representative shall be provided with a copy of these Rules of Procedure at least a week prior to the time allocated for the Annual Review. 3. Any Representative may make amendments to the Rules at the Annual Review, by lodging them in writing with the Clerk of Parliament. 4. Amendments to the Rules at the Annual Review shall require an absolute majority. 5. Amendments to the Rules adopted at the Annual Review shall enter into force immediately after their adoption. Rule 18.3 Committee Review 1. The Administration Committee shall periodically, on its own accord, review these Rules of Procedure and report to Parliament on any inconsistencies or proposals for amendment. Rule 18.4 Procedures for Amending the Constitution of the Republic 1. Amendments to the Constitution of the Republic may be proposed by the Government of Oceana, the Administration Committee, the President of the Republic or one-fourth (1/4) of the Representatives. 2. Any amendments to the Constitution shall require a super majority for its adoption. 3. Amendments to the Constitution may be adopted by the Parliament only after the Speaker of Parliament has referred the proposed amendments to the Supreme Court for a prior assessment that the proposed amendments do not diminish any of the rights and freedoms set forth in the Citizen's Bill of Freedoms, Rights and Duties.

36

4. Amendments to the Constitution enter into force one (1) month after their adoption in the Parliament, unless: (a) one-third (1/3) of Representatives, by motion, call for the amendments to be put to a referendum; or (b) the President of the Republic, prior to the adoption of the amendments by the Parliament, requests that the amendments be put to a referendum.

Chapter 19 Final Provisions

Rule 19.1 Dissolution of the Parliament 1. The Parliament of Oceana may only be dissolved by the President of the Republic, with the agreement of the Speaker of Parliament. 2. Parliament may be dissolved only under the following provisions: (a) if quorum, pursuant to Rule 6.6, cannot be achieved for three (3) subsequent meetings of Parliament; (b) if Parliament fails to elect a Prime Minister within the time-limits and provisions set in Rules 5.3 and 5.4; (c) if two-thirds (2/3) of Parliament so request; or (d) if the mandated Session of Parliament comes to an end, in accordance with Rule 6.1 3. Parliament may not be dissolved during a State of Emergency in the Republic of Oceana. Rule 19.2 Interpretation and Suspension of the Rules of Procedure 1. Interpretation of these Rules of Procedure is at the discretion of the Speaker of Parliament. 2. The Parliament may: (a) on a motion of any Representative or of the Speaker's Council, suspend any of these Rules or such part of a Rule (including a single word or number) as is specified in the motion, but only for the purpose of such meeting of the Parliament, a Committee or Sub-Committee as is specified in the motion; or (b) on a motion of the Speaker's Council, suspend any of these Rules or such part of a Rule (including a single word or number) as is specified in the motion, but only for the purpose of such particular item of business as is specified in the motion, and may make such alternative provision for the Rule or part suspended as is specified in the motion. 3. The Parliament may suspend any Rule or part of a Rule or make alternative provision only if so doing would be consistent with the requirements of the Bill in question. Rule 19.3 Ratification of the Rules of Procedure 1. These Rules of Procedure shall be ratified by the Parliament with a simple majority vote. Rule 19.4 Entry into Force 1. These Rules of Procedure shall enter into force immediately upon ratification by the Parliament in accordance with Rule 19.3.

Chapter 20 Additional Documents

The Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of Oceana are further supplemented by certain Acts of Parliament, which form the Additional Documents. Any documents attached to this Chapter shall be considered and treated as part of the Rules of Procedure.

37