Dimension: 1.3.5 Quorum

This dimension concerns the requirements for a quorum, or the minimum number of MPs who must be present in order for parliament to validly conduct its business. The existence of a quorum is therefore a practical measure that allows parliament to effectively operate without all MPs being present. 

Different countries have different practices in terms of the quorum needed for debate, and the quorum needed for voting for different pieces of legislation. Practice in recent decades shows that many parliaments have lowered or abolished the quorum requirement for debates, while maintaining it for voting on legislation and other acts. Regardless of these variations, a quorum is intended to protect against decision-making by a very small number of MPs. 

Quorum rules are typically set out in a country’s legal framework and in a chamber’s rules of procedure. Often, the rules set out a specific time frame from when a “quorum call” is announced to when a quorum must be formed to begin or continue a debate. In some parliaments, MPs can raise a “point of order” to draw attention to a quorum not being present, which forces the 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. to call for a quorum to be formed in order that business can continue.