Dimension: 7.3.1 Composition of governing bodies
This dimension concerns the provisions that ensure representation and balance among political groups in parliament’s governing bodies, such as the presidium, the Conference of Speakers, and administrative and financial bodies. These provisions are typically set out in the legal framework and/or parliament’s rules of procedure. They usually foresee the representation of all political groups in parliament’s governing bodies in proportion to their representation in parliament.
The inclusion of political groups from the opposition or the political minority in the governing bodies is one form of institutional recognition of the political diversity of parliament. Many parliaments ensure that opposition or minority political groups also hold leadership positions, such as Deputy Speaker Speaker The highest authority and principal presiding officer of the parliament, or of the house or chamber in bicameral parliaments. The Speaker is usually an MP elected at the beginning of each convocation by fellow MPs to preside over the parliamentary chamber or, in a unicameral system, to preside over the parliament. .
In parliaments where there are significant numbers of independent MPs, consideration should be given to ensuring their representation in parliament’s governing bodies.
Aspiring goal
Assess your parliament against this dimension
Assessment criteria
No 1: Representation of all political groups
The principles for the composition of parliament’s governing bodies are clearly set out in the legal framework and/or parliament’s rules of procedure. These provisions guarantee the representation of all political groups in the governing bodies and ensure an appropriate balance between them.
No 2: Leadership positions
Parliament reserves leadership positions, such as at least one Deputy Speaker role, for the opposition or political minority groups.
No 3: Practice
In practice, there is balanced representation of political groups in parliament’s governing bodies.
How to complete this assessment
This dimension is assessed against several criteria, each of which should be evaluated separately. For each criterion, select one of the six descriptive grades (Non-existent, Rudimentary, Basic, Good, Very good and Excellent) that best reflects the situation in your parliament, and provide details of the evidence on which this assessment is based.
The evidence for assessment of this dimension could include the following:
- Provisions of the constitution and/or other aspects of the legal framework concerning the composition of parliament’s governing bodies
- Provisions of parliament’s rules of procedure granting at least one Deputy Speaker Speaker The highest authority and principal presiding officer of the parliament, or of the house or chamber in bicameral parliaments. The Speaker is usually an MP elected at the beginning of each convocation by fellow MPs to preside over the parliamentary chamber or, in a unicameral system, to preside over the parliament. position to an opposition MP
- Provisions of parliament’s rules of procedure granting independent MPs representation in parliament’s governing bodies
- Provisions of the legal framework establishing clear and transparent procedures for the formation of political groups in parliament
- The number of opposition MPs represented in the current parliament’s governing bodies
Where relevant, provide additional comments or examples that support the assessment.
Sources and further reading
- European Commission for Democracy Democracy The belief in freedom and equality between people, or a system of government based on this belief, in which power is held either by elected representatives or directly by the people themselves. Also, a basic right of citizenship to be exercised under conditions of freedom, equality, transparency and responsibility, with due respect for the plurality of views, and in the interest of the polity. through Law Law A body of rules of action or conduct prescribed by a controlling authority (usually passed by parliament), which has a binding legal force and must be obeyed and followed by citizens, subject to sanctions or legal consequences. Also, the whole body of binding customs, practices or rules of a community prescribed or formally recognized and enforced by a controlling authority. See also: Act of parliament, Bill, Law-making Law-making The legislative process or the act of legislating, i.e. the process by which laws are made. See also: Act of parliament, Law and Legislation Legislation A law or a set of laws that have been passed by parliament. The word is also used to describe the act of making a new law. See also: Act of parliament, Law and Law-making. . and Legislation Legislation A law or a set of laws that have been passed by parliament. The word is also used to describe the act of making a new law. See also: Act of parliament, Law and Law-making. . (Venice Commission), Report on the role of the opposition in a democratic Parliament Parliament A national body of elected (or sometimes appointed) representatives that makes laws, debates issues and holds the government to account. (2010).
- European Conference of Presidents of Parliament Parliament A national body of elected (or sometimes appointed) representatives that makes laws, debates issues and holds the government to account. , Majority and opposition – striking a balance in democracy (2014).
- Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Guidelines on the Rights and Duties of the Opposition Opposition The parliamentary minority party or parties. In some systems, the “opposition” refers to the political party or parties in parliament that do not form the government. It is also possible that the party or parties that form the government do not have a majority in parliament. See also: Leader of the opposition. in the Parliament Parliament A national body of elected (or sometimes appointed) representatives that makes laws, debates issues and holds the government to account. (1999).
Get help with this assessment
The assessment of indicators involves diagnosing and considering strengths and weaknesses, i.e. the things parliament is doing well, and the things it could do better or more effectively, taking into account established good practices that are described in the indicators.
Read the assessment guidance to find out what to consider when conducting an assessment against the Indicators. Find out how to prepare, how to set the objectives of the assessment, how to organize the process, and more. Contact the project partners for expert advice.
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