(1)
The National Assembly and the Senate must establish a joint committee to recommend
Standing Orders, which orders will require the approval of each Chamber before
implementation.
(2)
Standing Orders may provide for (a)
appointment of committees, provided the composition of committees must
reflect, as closely as possible, the proportionate representation of political parties
in Parliament; and
(b)
The regulation and orderly conduct of business in and between the Chambers,
including regulating abuse of privilege against private individuals for anything
said in, or produced or submitted in Parliament or any of its committees.
56.
Duration of Parliament
(1)
Parliament is elected for a term of five years and this term runs from the date of the first
sitting of the National Assembly, and Parliament stands dissolved at the expiration of that
period.
(2)
For the avoidance of doubt, the duration of the Senate is the same as that of the National
Assembly and the Senate automatically stands dissolved at any time that the National
Assembly is dissolved in terms of this Constitution.
57.
Sitting and recess periods
(1)
The first sitting of either Chamber of Parliament after a general election must take place
at a time and date determined by the President, provided this must not be later than
twenty-one days after the election.
(2)
Each Chamber determines the time and duration of all its sittings other than the first
sitting, provided the President, on the advice of the Prime Minister, may summon
Parliament at any time to conduct special business.
58.
Dissolution of Parliament
(1)
Parliament may not be dissolved by the President before the expiration of its term unless
the National Assembly has adopted a resolution to dissolve with a supporting vote of not
less than two thirds of its total membership.
(2)
For the avoidance of doubt, Parliament may not be dissolved solely on the ground that the
President has been advised by the Cabinet to dissolve it.
59.
Parliamentary Public Appointments Committee
(1)
There must be a Parliamentary Public Appointments Committee consisting of twenty
three members of Parliament as follows:
(a)
fifteen members of the National Assembly appointed by the National Assembly
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