Dimension: 1.4.1 Plenary
This dimension concerns the arrangements for plenary sessions. Parliament Parliament A national body of elected (or sometimes appointed) representatives that makes laws, debates issues and holds the government to account. ’s most important law-making and oversight work is done in the plenary. It is usually where the highest-ranking State officials, such as presidents and prime ministers, are heard. A plenary session is an arena for holding political debates and for voting on legislation previously discussed in committees. All major decisions made on behalf of parliament – including those regarding parliamentary rules and procedures – should be debated and voted on by the plenary.
In unicameral systems, plenaries bring together all MPs. In bicameral systems, each chamber has its own plenary sessions. Plenary sessions are normally held on the parliamentary premises, except where the rules provide for alternative venues or virtual sittings. The legal framework should provide for the transparency of plenary sessions through broadcasting and/or live-streaming, as well as attendance by the media.
See also Indicator 1.3: Parliamentary procedures, Indicator 3.1: Transparency of parliamentary processes, Dimension 3.2.2: Parliamentary website, and Indicator 3.3: Access to parliament.
Aspiring goal
Assess your parliament against this dimension
Assessment criteria
No 1: Legal framework
The legal framework provides for the holding of plenary sessions. All major decisions made on behalf of parliament are debated and voted on by the plenary.
No 2: Venue
The legal framework establish that plenary sessions are only to be held in the respective chamber(s) on the parliamentary premises, except where alternative venues or virtual sittings are permitted, or in other circumstances where imperative reasons dictate such changes.
No 3: Transparency
The legal framework establishes that plenary sessions are public. Agendas for plenary sessions are available in advance. Duly accredited media representatives are authorized to attend plenary sessions, as are members of the public. Closed plenary sessions are only held in exceptional circumstances as prescribed by law.
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, laws or parliamentary resolutions/decrees outlining the regulatory framework for the holding of plenary sessions, including the required quorum, the timing and duration of ordinary plenary sessions, and the grounds and procedures for calling extraordinary sessions
- Provisions of the constitution or laws establishing that plenary sessions are only to be held in the respective chamber(s) on the parliamentary premises
- Provisions of parliament’s rules of procedure establishing that plenary sessions are public unless specified as closed
Where relevant, provide additional comments or examples that support the assessment.
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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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