constituteproject.org PDF generated: 26 Sep 2013, 21:48 139 Standing Orders (1) The proceedings of the Senate and the National Assembly are regulated by rules known as Standing Orders, which are made by the Houses individually or jointly on the recommendation of the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders. (2) Standing Orders may provide for-(a) the passing of Bills; (b) the appointment and functions of committees and the delegation of functions to them; (c) the way in which the powers, privileges and immunities of the Houses may be exercised and upheld; (d) the questioning of Ministers and Deputy Ministers by Members of Parliament; (e) a code of conduct for Members of Parliament; (f) the exercise of the right of the public to petition Parliament; and (g) generally, the regulation and orderly conduct of business and proceedings in and between the Houses. (3) The procedures and processes of Parliament and its committees, as provided for in Standing Orders, must promote transparency, must encourage the involvement of members of all political parties in Parliament and the public, and must be fair and just. (4) Any committee established by or under Standing Orders must reflect, as closely as possible, the political and gender composition of Parliament or of the House to which the Standing Orders apply. 140 Presidential addresses and messages to Parliament (1) The President may at any time address either House of Parliament or a joint sitting of both Houses. (2) The President may send messages to either House of Parliament, and any such message must be read by a Vice-President or Minister or by the person presiding over the House concerned. (3) The President may attend Parliament to answer questions on any issue as may be provided in Standing Orders. (4) At least once a year the President must address a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on the state of the nation, and the Speaker and the President of the Senate must make the necessary arrangements for Parliament to receive such an address. Zimbabwe 2013 Page 59