2.5.1 The legislature shall establish and follow clear procedures for structuring debate and determining the order of precedence of motions tabled by members.
2.5.2 The legislature shall provide adequate opportunity for legislators to X debate bills prior to a vote.
2.6.1 Plenary votes in the legislature shall be public.
As is the case in many democratic legislatures,adequate opportunity for debate on bills can be curtailed by the application of a closure motion or ‘gag’ by the majority party. X
2.6.2 Members in a minority on a vote shall be able to demand a recorded vote. 2.6.3 Only legislators may vote on issues before the legislature.
The only exception is the election of the Speaker,Deputy Speaker and Chief Minister at the commence ment of a new Assembly.The election of these officers, while still a public proceeding,is conducted by secret ballot.
2.7.1 The legislature shall maintain and publish readily accessible records of its proceedings. 3.1.1 The legislature shall have the right to form permanent and temporary committees. 3.1.2 The legislature’s assignment of committee members on each committee shall
include both majority and minority party members and reflect the political composition of the legislature.
3.1.3 The legislature shall establish and follow a transparent method for selecting or electing the chairs of committees. 3.1.4 Committee hearings shall be in public.Any exceptions shall be clearly defined and provided for in the rules of procedure.
3.1.5 Votes of committee shall be in public.Any exceptions shall be clearly defined and provided for in the rules of procedure.
3.2.1 There shall be a presumption that the legislature will refer legislation X to a committee, and any exceptions must be transparent, and narrowly-defined,extraordinary in nature.
3.2.2 Committees shall scrutinize legislation referred to them and have the power to recommend amendments or amend the legislation. 3.2.3 Committees shall have the right to consult and/or employ experts.
3.2.4 Committees shall have the power to summon persons, papers and records, and this power shall extend to witnesses and evidence from the executive branch, including officials.
3.2.5 Only legislators appointed to the committee, or authorised substitutes, shall have the right to vote in committee. 3.2.6 Legislation shall protect informants and witnesses presenting relevant information to commissions of inquiry about corruption or unlawful activity.
4.1.1 The right of freedom of association shall exist for legislators, as for all people.
4.1.2 Any restrictions on the legality of political parties shall be narrowly drawn in law and shall be consistent with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 4.2.1 Criteria for the formation of parliamentary party groups, and their rights and responsibilities in the legislature, shall be clearly stated in the Rules.
4.2.2 The legislature shall provide adequate resources and facilities for party groups
pursuant to a clear and transparent formula that does not unduly advantage the majority party.
4.3.1 Legislators shall have the right to form interest caucuses around issues of common concern.
Although not prescribed, no prohibition exists.
5.1.1 The legislature shall have an adequate non-partisan professional staff to support its operations including the operations of its committees.
5.1.2 The legislature, rather than the executive branch, shall control the X parliamentary service and determine the terms of employment.