RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE ASSEMBLY OF ERITREA
First Official Edition
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preamble
PART I. PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS (Rules 1–13)
CHAPTER 2. MEMBERSHIP (Rules 14–22)
PART II. OFFICERS OF THE ASSEMBLY
CHAPTER 3. OFFICERS (Rules 23–44)
CHAPTER 4. COMMITTEES (Rules 45–65)
PART III. SESSIONS OF THE ASSEMBLY
CHAPTER 5. SITTINGS OF THE ASSEMBLY (Rules 66–88)
PART IV. DELIBERATION
CHAPTER 6. RECOGNITION AND DEBATE (Rules 89–114)
CHAPTER 7. MOTIONS (Rules 115–140)
PART V. LEGISLATION
CHAPTER 8. BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, POLICY STATEMENTS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS (Rules 141–162)
CHAPTER 9. AMENDMENTS (Rules 163–178)
CHAPTER 10. VOTING AND DECISIONS (Rules 179–197)
PART VI. RECORDS AND PUBLICATION
CHAPTER 11. OFFICIAL RECORDS (Rules 198–212)
PART VII. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
CHAPTER 12. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Rules 213–229)
PART VIII. MEMBERS
CHAPTER 13. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT (Rules 230–246)
CHAPTER 14. ETHICS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (Rules 247–265)
PART IX. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 15. INTERPRETATION, PRECEDENTS, AND AMENDMENT OF THE RULES (Rules 266–279)
PART X. CONTINUITY OF THE ASSEMBLY
CHAPTER 16. INSTITUTIONAL CONTINUITY (Rules 280–294)
PREAMBLE
The Assembly of Eritrea is an independent educational institution dedicated to the study and practice of constitutional democracy, representative government, and parliamentary deliberation. These rules are adopted to promote orderly proceedings, informed decision-making, respectful debate, transparency, accountability, institutional continuity, and public participation. The Assembly recognizes that democratic institutions are strengthened through constitutional government, the rule of law, intellectual honesty, openness to persuasion, and mutual respect. Members are expected to conduct themselves with dignity, professionalism, and integrity, recognizing that the Assembly serves both as a deliberative body and as a model for the future development of democratic institutions in Eritrea. These rules shall be interpreted to promote fairness, simplicity, efficiency, institutional learning, and the continuous improvement of parliamentary practice.
PART I. PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Rule 1. Title and Purpose. These rules shall be known as the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of Eritrea and shall govern the organization, proceedings, committees, administration, and records of the Assembly.
Rule 2. Nature of the Assembly. The Assembly is an educational and deliberative institution established to cultivate democratic leadership, constitutional understanding, legislative competence, and responsible public service.
Rule 3. Official Language. The Assembly shall determine its working language or languages, and official documents may be published in one or more languages as resources permit.
Rule 4. Official Records and Website. The official records of the Assembly consist of the documents, recordings, and publications maintained in the Official Legislative Information System (OLIS), and the Assembly shall maintain an official website through which OLIS and all public information shall be made available.
Rule 5. Virtual Chamber and Participation. The Assembly shall ordinarily conduct its proceedings in the official Virtual Chamber, which constitutes the official meeting place of the Assembly regardless of the physical location of its Members, and unless otherwise ordered, sittings of the Assembly and its committees shall ordinarily be conducted through the Virtual Chamber.
Rule 6. Public Proceedings. Proceedings of the Assembly shall ordinarily be open to the public unless these rules provide otherwise.
Rule 7. Democratic Principles and Equality. The Assembly shall conduct its proceedings in accordance with constitutional government, democratic deliberation, equality of Members, respect for minority views, and majority decision, and every Member possesses equal parliamentary rights unless these rules expressly provide otherwise.
Rule 8. Respect for the Rules. Every Member, officer, committee, and employee of the Assembly shall observe these rules.
Rule 9. Interpretation and Simplicity. These rules shall be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning and applied in a manner that avoids unnecessary procedural complexity while preserving fairness, transparency, orderly proceedings, and the purposes of the Assembly.
Rule 10. Parliamentary Authority. Where these rules do not expressly provide for a procedural matter, the Speaker shall decide the question having regard to these rules, established parliamentary principles, and previous rulings of the Assembly.
Rule 11. Technology and Artificial Intelligence. The Assembly may employ appropriate electronic technologies to facilitate deliberation, voting, publication, research, and record-keeping, and while artificial intelligence may assist research, drafting, translation, summarization, and administration, responsibility for every parliamentary decision remains with the Members of the Assembly.
Rule 12. Official Publications and Access. The Clerk shall publish official documents through OLIS as soon as reasonably practicable, and official publications of the Assembly should ordinarily be freely accessible to the public.
Rule 13. Amendment of the Rules. These rules may be amended only in accordance with the procedures established herein.
CHAPTER 2. MEMBERSHIP
Rule 14. Membership. The Assembly shall consist of the Members elected or appointed in accordance with its governing instruments.
Rule 15. Oath or Affirmation. Every Member shall take the prescribed oath or affirmation before participating in the proceedings of the Assembly.
Rule 16. Rights and Duties of Members. Every Member has the right to debate, vote, introduce proposals, serve on committees, and exercise the parliamentary rights conferred by these rules, and every Member shall participate conscientiously in the work of the Assembly and contribute with integrity, diligence, and respect.
Rule 17. Preparation and Attendance. Members should familiarize themselves with the agenda and supporting documents before each sitting, and should attend every sitting of the Assembly and of the committees to which they are assigned unless reasonably prevented from doing so.
Rule 18. Participation. Members are encouraged to contribute actively to debate while respecting the right of every other Member to be heard.
Rule 19. Professional Conduct and Appearance. Members shall conduct themselves in a manner that preserves the dignity and reputation of the Assembly, and Members participating in public sittings shall wear professional business attire or recognised Eritrean national formal attire.
Rule 20. Virtual Presence and Visibility. Members shall use the official virtual background approved by the Assembly or another background approved by the Speaker, and Members should ordinarily remain visible throughout public sittings unless excused by the Speaker.
Rule 21. Resignation and Vacancy. A Member may resign by written notice addressed to the Speaker, and a vacancy in membership shall be filled in accordance with the governing instruments of the Assembly.
Rule 22. Continuity of Membership. Members should contribute to the orderly transfer of responsibilities whenever membership changes occur.
PART II. OFFICERS OF THE ASSEMBLY
CHAPTER 3. OFFICERS
Rule 23. Officers of the Assembly. The officers of the Assembly are the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, and the Clerk.
Rule 24. Election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The Assembly shall elect a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker from among its Members by majority vote.
Rule 25. Appointment of the Clerk. The Assembly shall appoint a Clerk, who need not be a Member of the Assembly.
Rule 26. Term of Office and Oath. Every officer shall serve until the expiration of the legislative term, resignation, removal, or the appointment of a successor, and shall take the prescribed oath or affirmation before assuming office.
Rule 27. Role and Duties of the Speaker. The Speaker is the principal presiding officer of the Assembly, shall safeguard the orderly, fair, and efficient conduct of its proceedings, and shall preside over sittings, recognize Members, rule on procedural questions, announce the results of votes, preserve order, supervise the conduct of business, and perform such other duties as these rules require.
Rule 28. Administration of the Virtual Chamber. During every sitting, the Speaker shall direct the operation of the Virtual Chamber and may regulate participation to ensure orderly proceedings.
Rule 29. Agenda. The Speaker shall approve the agenda prepared by the Clerk before each sitting.
Rule 30. Recognition and Time Management. The Speaker shall recognize Members wishing to speak in accordance with these rules, should provide a fair opportunity for differing views to be heard, and shall administer speaking times and may adjust the order of business to ensure the efficient completion of the agenda.
Rule 31. Maintenance of Order and Rulings. The Speaker may call a Member to order, suspend proceedings, or take such reasonable measures as are necessary to restore order, and shall decide questions of parliamentary procedure subject to appeal under these rules.
Rule 32. Debate Participation and Voting by the Speaker. The Speaker should not participate in debate while presiding and shall relinquish the Chair before doing so, but retains the same voting rights as every other Member.
Rule 33. Representation of the Assembly. The Speaker represents the Assembly on ceremonial and official occasions unless the Assembly decides otherwise.
Rule 34. Role and Authority of the Deputy Speaker. The Deputy Speaker shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Speaker whenever the Speaker is absent or unable to preside, and while presiding, the Deputy Speaker possesses all the powers and responsibilities of the Speaker.
Rule 35. Role and Duties of the Clerk. The Clerk is the chief administrative officer of the Assembly and shall prepare agendas, maintain official records, publish documents in OLIS, prepare minutes, assist the Speaker, administer the daily operations of the Assembly, and perform such other duties as these rules or the Assembly may require.
Rule 36. Custody of Records and Administration. The Clerk is responsible for preserving the official records and publications of the Assembly and may appoint administrative assistants, committee clerks, legislative researchers, technical personnel, and other staff as resources permit.
Rule 37. Technical Administration and Neutrality. The Clerk shall ensure that the Virtual Chamber is prepared for every sitting, may designate one or more technical administrators to assist with its operation, and the Clerk and all administrative personnel shall perform their duties impartially and shall not influence the deliberations or decisions of the Assembly.
Rule 38. Vacancy and Acting Officers. Whenever an office becomes vacant, the Assembly shall elect or appoint a successor as soon as reasonably practicable, and pending the appointment of a successor, the Assembly may designate an Acting Officer to perform the duties of the vacant office.
Rule 39. Removal from Office. The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or Clerk may be removed from office by a resolution adopted by two-thirds of the Members present and voting after being given notice and an opportunity to be heard.
Rule 40. Legislative Counsel and Research Services. The Assembly may appoint one or more Legislative Counsel to assist Members and committees in the preparation of Bills, amendments, resolutions, and other legislative documents, and may establish research services to assist Members and committees with constitutional, legal, policy, and comparative legislative research.
Rule 41. Communications and Delegation. The Clerk shall ensure the timely publication of agendas, adopted documents, committee reports, announcements, and recordings through OLIS and the official website of the Assembly, and the Speaker and the Clerk may delegate administrative responsibilities that do not require the personal exercise of their authority.
Rule 42. Administrative Continuity and Cooperation. The officers and administrative personnel shall ensure the orderly continuity of the work of the Assembly regardless of changes in membership or leadership, and shall cooperate in good faith to promote the efficient administration of the Assembly and the faithful application of these rules.
Rule 43. Responsibility for Improvement. The officers should continually seek practical improvements to the procedures, administration, and educational activities of the Assembly.
Rule 44. Service to the Assembly. Every officer shall exercise the powers of office solely in the interests of the Assembly and its educational mission.
CHAPTER 4. COMMITTEES
Rule 45. Purpose of Committees. Committees assist the Assembly by examining legislative proposals, conducting detailed study, receiving information, and making recommendations.
Rule 46. Standing and Special Committees. The Assembly shall establish such Standing Committees as it considers necessary for the efficient conduct of its business, and may establish a Special Committee to consider a specific matter, defining its mandate at the time of its establishment.
Rule 47. Working Groups. A committee may establish a temporary working group to assist in the study of a particular subject.
Rule 48. Committee Membership and Size. Every Member should ordinarily serve on at least one Standing Committee, which should ordinarily consist of between four and six Members, and the Assembly shall determine committee membership on the recommendation of the Speaker after consultation with Members.
Rule 49. Committee Officers. Each Standing Committee shall elect from among its Members a Chair and a Vice-Chair.
Rule 50. Duties of Committee Officers. The Chair shall convene committee meetings, preside over proceedings, encourage balanced participation, and present committee reports to the Assembly, and the Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair whenever the Chair is absent or unable to act.
Rule 51. Committee Meetings and Notice. Committees shall ordinarily meet in the Virtual Chamber, and the Chair shall provide Members with reasonable notice of every committee meeting together with the agenda and supporting documents whenever practicable.
Rule 52. Quorum and Attendance. A majority of the members of a committee constitutes a quorum, and committee members should attend every meeting unless reasonably prevented from doing so.
Rule 53. Deliberation. Committee proceedings should encourage open discussion, questioning, cooperation, and respectful deliberation.
Rule 54. Public Meetings and Hearings. Committee meetings should ordinarily be open to the public unless the committee determines that good reason exists to meet in executive session, and a committee may conduct public hearings whenever it considers them helpful to its work.
Rule 55. Expert Assistance and Submissions. A committee may invite persons with relevant knowledge or experience to assist its deliberations and may receive written submissions from any person or organization concerning matters within its mandate.
Rule 56. Committee Documents and Reports. Committee agendas, reports, and other public documents shall be published in OLIS, and every committee considering a referred matter shall submit a report to the Assembly.
Rule 57. Contents of Reports and Minority Views. A committee report should briefly identify the matter considered, summarize the principal issues discussed, state the committee’s recommendations, and record the outcome of any committee vote, provided that Members who disagree with a committee recommendation may submit a brief minority report for publication together with the committee report.
Rule 58. Committee Recommendations and Amendments. A committee may recommend that a proposal be adopted, amended, referred for further study, or not adopted, and may recommend amendments to any proposal referred to it.
Rule 59. Joint Meetings and Cooperation. Two or more committees may meet jointly with the approval of the Speaker whenever their work concerns related subject matter, and committees are encouraged to consult and cooperate whenever their work involves related matters.
Rule 60. Referral and Multiple Referrals of Matters. The Speaker shall ordinarily refer every Bill and other substantive proposal to an appropriate committee before final consideration by the Assembly, and may refer a matter to more than one committee where its subject matter substantially affects the responsibilities of each.
Rule 61. Withdrawal of Referral. The Assembly may withdraw a matter from a committee by majority vote.
Rule 62. Timely Consideration. A committee should complete its consideration of referred matters within a reasonable time.
Rule 63. Committee Records and Recordings. The Clerk shall maintain records of committee meetings, attendance, reports, recommendations, and other official committee business, and committee meetings should ordinarily be recorded and published through OLIS unless the committee decides otherwise.
Rule 64. Committee Calendar. Each committee should maintain a schedule of its anticipated meetings and business.
Rule 65. Purpose of Committee Work. Committees shall strive to improve the quality of legislation through careful study, informed discussion, and well-reasoned recommendations to the Assembly.
PART III. SESSIONS OF THE ASSEMBLY
CHAPTER 5. SITTINGS OF THE ASSEMBLY
Rule 66. Legislative Calendar and Regular Sittings. The Assembly shall meet according to a legislative calendar adopted at the beginning of each legislative term, and regular sittings shall be held on the dates and at the times established by the legislative calendar unless the Assembly decides otherwise.
Rule 67. Special Sittings. The Speaker may convene a Special Sitting whenever the business of the Assembly so requires.
Rule 68. Notice of Sitting. The Clerk shall publish the date, time, agenda, and supporting documents for each sitting in OLIS sufficiently in advance to permit Members to prepare.
Rule 69. Order of Business. Unless the Assembly otherwise orders, business shall ordinarily proceed in the following order: (a) Call to Order; (b) Verification of Quorum; (c) Adoption of the Agenda; (d) Approval of Minutes; (e) Announcements; (f) Committee Reports; (g) Bills and Resolutions; (h) Unfinished Business; (i) New Business; (j) Motions; and (k) Adjournment.
Rule 70. Call to Order. At the appointed time, the Speaker shall call the Assembly to order.
Rule 71. Quorum and Verification. A majority of the Members of the Assembly constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business, and the Speaker shall verify the presence of a quorum before conducting substantive business.
Rule 72. Presence. A Member shall be regarded as present while connected to the Virtual Chamber with video enabled unless excused by the Speaker because of technical difficulties or other reasonable cause.
Rule 73. Loss of Quorum. If quorum is lost during a sitting, the Speaker shall suspend proceedings until quorum is restored or adjourn the sitting.
Rule 74. Duration and Extension of Sittings. An ordinary sitting should not ordinarily exceed three hours exclusive of recesses unless extended by a majority vote of the Assembly where necessary to complete important business.
Rule 75. Recess. The Speaker should ordinarily declare a short recess after approximately ninety minutes of continuous proceedings.
Rule 76. Punctuality and Attendance Register. Members should enter the Virtual Chamber before the scheduled commencement of the sitting, and the Clerk shall maintain a record of attendance for every sitting.
Rule 77. Use of Cameras and Microphones. Members shall ordinarily keep their cameras enabled throughout public sittings unless excused by the Speaker, and shall keep microphones muted except when recognized to speak or when otherwise directed by the Speaker.
Rule 78. Chamber Functions and Recognition. A Member wishing to speak shall request recognition by using the Raise Hand function or another method approved by the Speaker, and a Member may share documents or presentations only with the permission of the Speaker, provided that the meeting chat shall be used only for parliamentary or administrative purposes unless the Speaker directs otherwise.
Rule 79. Technical Difficulties and Continuity. A Member experiencing technical difficulties should notify the Clerk as soon as reasonably practicable, and the Speaker may temporarily suspend proceedings if the difficulties materially affect the orderly conduct of the sitting; however, temporary technical difficulties affecting an individual Member shall not ordinarily interrupt proceedings provided that quorum is maintained.
Rule 80. Public Access and Recording of Sittings. Public sittings should ordinarily be livestreamed or otherwise made accessible through the official online channels of the Assembly, and shall ordinarily be recorded in their entirety using the recording facilities of the Virtual Chamber.
Rule 81. Publication and Status of Recordings. Recordings of public sittings should be published through OLIS and the official online channel of the Assembly as soon as reasonably practicable after the sitting concludes, and the published recording constitutes the official audiovisual record of the proceedings.
Rule 82. Minutes. The Clerk shall prepare concise minutes recording attendance, the business transacted, decisions taken, voting results where appropriate, and the time of adjournment.
Rule 83. Approval and Correction of Minutes. The minutes shall be presented for approval at the next regular sitting of the Assembly, and the Assembly may correct the minutes before approving them.
Rule 84. Official Record. The approved minutes together with the official recording constitute the official record of the sitting.
Rule 85. Publication of Documents. Agendas, minutes, committee reports, Bills, Resolutions, policy statements, recommendations, and other public documents shall be published in OLIS.
Rule 86. Executive Sessions and Confidentiality. The Assembly may meet in executive session by majority vote whenever confidentiality is reasonably necessary for the proper conduct of its business, and matters considered in executive session shall remain confidential unless the Assembly decides otherwise.
Rule 87. Guests and Observers. The Speaker may recognize invited guests and observers during a sitting provided that they do not participate in proceedings unless invited to do so by the Speaker.
Rule 88. Adjournment. The Speaker shall adjourn the sitting when the business of the day has been completed or when the Assembly so decides.
PART IV. DELIBERATION
CHAPTER 6. RECOGNITION AND DEBATE
Rule 89. Purpose of Debate and Right to Speak. Debate exists to assist the Assembly in reaching informed, reasoned, and democratic decisions through the free exchange of ideas, and every Member has the right to participate in debate in accordance with these rules.
Rule 90. Recognition and Requests to Speak. No Member shall speak until recognized by the Speaker, and a Member wishing to speak shall request recognition by using the Raise Hand function or another method approved by the Speaker.
Rule 91. Order of Recognition. The Speaker shall recognize Members fairly and should, where practicable, alternate between differing viewpoints and ensure that every Member wishing to speak has a reasonable opportunity to do so.
Rule 92. Addressing the Assembly. Members shall address their remarks through the Speaker and not directly to one another.
Rule 93. Opening and Committee Presentations. The sponsor of a Bill, Resolution, policy statement, recommendation, or motion shall have up to five minutes to introduce the matter, and where a committee has reported on a matter, the Chair or another designated committee member shall have up to five minutes to present the committee’s recommendations.
Rule 94. Initial Rounds of Debate. During the first round of debate, each Member may speak once for not more than three minutes, and after every Member wishing to participate has spoken during the first round, Members may be recognized for one further intervention of not more than two minutes.
Rule 95. Final Round of Debate. If further discussion is necessary, Members may be recognized for one final intervention of not more than one minute.
Rule 96. Right of Reply. Immediately before debate closes, the sponsor shall have up to three minutes to reply to matters raised during debate.
Rule 97. Debate on Amendments. Debate on an amendment shall ordinarily follow the same speaking limits as debate on the principal question unless the Speaker directs otherwise.
Rule 98. Questions and Answers During Debate. A Member may, through the Speaker, ask another Member a brief question arising from that Member’s remarks, and answers to questions should ordinarily not exceed one minute.
Rule 99. Clarification. The Speaker may recognize a Member briefly to clarify a procedural, factual, or drafting matter.
Rule 100. Relevance and Avoidance of Repetition. Members shall confine their remarks to the matter under consideration and should avoid unnecessary repetition of arguments already presented.
Rule 101. Parliamentary Language and Decorum. Members shall use respectful parliamentary language, shall refrain from personal attacks, insults, abusive language, or discriminatory expressions, and should criticize proposals rather than attribute improper motives to another Member.
Rule 102. Good Faith. Members should presume that every Member participates in the proceedings honestly and in good faith.
Rule 103. Evidence, Reasoning, and Intellectual Honesty. Members are encouraged to support their arguments with facts, reliable information, logical reasoning, and relevant experience whenever practicable, distinguishing between established facts, informed opinion, and matters of uncertainty.
Rule 104. Openness to Persuasion. Members are encouraged to reconsider their views when persuaded by reasoned argument or reliable evidence.
Rule 105. Respectful Listening and Interruptions. Members should listen attentively while another Member has the floor, and no Member shall interrupt another Member except on a point of order or with the permission of the Speaker.
Rule 106. Points of Order and Rulings. A Member may raise a point of order concerning the application or interpretation of these rules, and the Speaker shall rule promptly on every point of order or may reserve the ruling until later in the sitting if further consideration is required.
Rule 107. Parliamentary Inquiries and Information. A Member may request guidance from the Speaker concerning parliamentary procedure at any time when no Member has the floor, or may request factual information relevant to the matter under debate through the Speaker.
Rule 108. Time Management and Visible Timers. The Speaker shall ensure that speaking limits are observed fairly and consistently, and a visible countdown timer should ordinarily be displayed while a Member is speaking.
Rule 109. Expiration and Extension of Speaking Time. When a Member’s allotted speaking time expires, the Speaker shall direct the Member to conclude the remarks without unnecessary delay, although the Speaker may grant a brief extension of speaking time solely to permit a Member to complete a concluding thought or sentence.
Rule 110. Prepared Remarks. Members should ordinarily speak from notes rather than read lengthy prepared speeches.
Rule 111. Adjustment of Speaking Times. Before debate begins, the Speaker may adjust speaking times where necessary to complete the published agenda, provided that the adjustment applies equally to all Members participating in that debate.
Rule 112. Closing Debate. When the Speaker is satisfied that debate has been completed, or when the Assembly so decides, debate shall close and the matter shall proceed to a vote.
Rule 113. Conduct During Debate. Members shall remain courteous, attentive, and respectful throughout debate and shall conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the dignity of the Assembly.
Rule 114. Educational Character and Purpose of Deliberation. Members should regard debate as an opportunity for collective learning, thoughtful deliberation, and institutional development, and the purpose of deliberation is to improve proposals, deepen understanding, encourage informed judgment, and assist the Assembly in reaching sound democratic decisions.
CHAPTER 7. MOTIONS
Rule 115. Purpose and Moving of Motions. A motion is the formal means by which the Assembly proposes, regulates, or decides a question before it, and except as otherwise provided in these rules, a Member shall obtain recognition from the Speaker before making a motion.
Rule 116. Form and Display of Motions. A motion should be stated clearly and, whenever practicable, submitted electronically to the Clerk before being moved, and the Clerk should display the text of a motion to the Assembly before debate begins whenever practicable.
Rule 117. Seconding and Effect of Motions. A motion shall require a second unless moved by a committee or otherwise provided by these rules, and a second signifies only that the motion should be considered by the Assembly and does not imply support for its adoption.
Rule 118. Stating the Question. After a motion has been properly moved and seconded, the Speaker shall formally state the question before the Assembly.
Rule 119. Withdrawal of a Motion. The mover may withdraw a motion before debate begins; thereafter, withdrawal requires the consent of the Assembly.
Rule 120. Main Motions. A Main Motion introduces new business for consideration by the Assembly.
Rule 121. Debate and Amendment of Main Motions. A Main Motion is debatable unless these rules provide otherwise, and it may be amended before the Assembly reaches a final decision.
Rule 122. Subsidiary Motions. Subsidiary motions regulate the consideration of another motion and shall be decided before the principal question whenever appropriate.
Rule 123. Motion to Amend. A motion to amend proposes a change to the pending question.
Rule 124. Motion to Refer. A motion to refer sends a matter to a committee for further consideration and recommendation.
Rule 125. Motion to Postpone. A motion to postpone defers consideration of a matter to a specified future sitting or time.
Rule 126. Motion to Divide. A motion to divide permits separate consideration of distinct parts of the same proposal where this will assist the Assembly in reaching a clear decision.
Rule 127. Motions to Adjust Debate. A motion to extend debate increases the speaking time or duration of debate for the pending matter, and a motion to limit debate reduces speaking time or otherwise regulates debate on the pending matter.
Rule 128. Incidental Motions. Incidental motions relate to the conduct of proceedings rather than to the substance of the question before the Assembly.
Rule 129. Parliamentary Inquiries and Information on Motions. A Member may request guidance from the Speaker concerning parliamentary procedure, request factual information relevant to the business before the Assembly, or request clarification concerning the wording, meaning, or effect of a proposal before the Assembly.
Rule 130. Motions for Recess and Adjournment. A Member may move that the Assembly suspend its proceedings for a specified period as a recess, or may offer a motion to adjourn to terminate the sitting of the Assembly.
Rule 131. Closing Motions. Closing motions conclude debate or otherwise terminate consideration of a matter before the Assembly.
Rule 132. Motion to Close Debate and Its Effect. A motion to close debate may be moved after Members have had a reasonable opportunity to participate in debate, and if the motion to close debate is adopted, the Assembly shall immediately proceed to vote on the pending question.
Rule 133. Motion to Withdraw from Consideration. The Assembly may decide to discontinue consideration of a matter without prejudice to its future reintroduction.
Rule 134. Priority of Motions. When more than one motion is pending, the Speaker shall determine the order of consideration in accordance with these rules and the efficient conduct of business.
Rule 135. Order and Display of Pending Questions. Only one substantive question shall ordinarily be before the Assembly at any one time, and the text of the pending motion should remain visible to Members throughout debate whenever practicable.
Rule 136. Modification of a Motion. Before the vote is taken, the mover may modify a motion with the consent of the Assembly.
Rule 137. Friendly Amendments and Objections. If the mover accepts a proposed amendment and no Member objects, the Speaker may incorporate the amendment into the pending motion as a friendly amendment without a separate vote; however, if any Member objects, it shall be considered under the ordinary rules governing amendments.
Rule 138. Division of the Question. The Speaker may divide a question into separate parts for debate or voting whenever doing so promotes clarity or fairness.
Rule 139. Procedural Flexibility. The Speaker may adapt the sequence of procedural motions where necessary to facilitate orderly and efficient proceedings, provided that no Member’s parliamentary rights are materially prejudiced.
Rule 140. Simplicity and Purpose of Procedure. Motions shall be interpreted and applied so as to promote clarity, fairness, efficiency, and informed deliberation, and parliamentary procedure exists to assist the Assembly in reaching informed decisions and shall not be used unnecessarily to obstruct, delay, or frustrate the work of the Assembly.
PART V. LEGISLATION
CHAPTER 8. BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, POLICY STATEMENTS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Rule 141. Legislative Instruments. The Assembly may act by Bill, Resolution, policy statement, recommendation, or such other legislative instrument as these rules permit.
Rule 142. Bills and Resolutions. A Bill is the principal instrument by which the Assembly proposes model legislation, and a Resolution expresses the opinion, decision, or direction of the Assembly on a matter within its competence.
Rule 143. Policy Statements and Recommendations. A policy statement expresses the considered position of the Assembly on a question of constitutional, legislative, institutional, or public policy, and a recommendation proposes action or reform for consideration by public institutions, civil society organizations, educational institutions, or the public.
Rule 144. Right of Introduction. Any Member or committee may introduce a Bill, Resolution, policy statement, or recommendation.
Rule 145. Form and Explanatory Notes of Proposals. Every proposal shall be submitted electronically to the Clerk in the prescribed form, and every Bill should be accompanied by a concise explanatory note describing its purpose, principal provisions, and intended effect.
Rule 146. Numbering and Publication of Proposals. Upon receipt, the Clerk shall assign every proposal a unique reference number in accordance with administrative procedures approved by the Assembly and shall publish every proposal in OLIS as soon as reasonably practicable after its introduction.
Rule 147. Introduction and Presentation of Proposals. The sponsor shall introduce the proposal during a sitting of the Assembly and briefly explain its purpose without reading its text unless requested by the Assembly.
Rule 148. Questions of Clarification. Following the sponsor’s presentation, Members may ask brief questions to clarify the proposal before its referral to committee.
Rule 149. Committee Referral and Consideration. The Speaker shall ordinarily refer every substantive proposal to an appropriate committee for detailed consideration, and the committee shall examine it and may receive submissions, hear witnesses, consult experts, and recommend amendments before reporting to the Assembly.
Rule 150. Committee Recommendations and Reports. The committee shall recommend that the proposal be adopted, adopted with amendments, referred for further study, or not adopted, and shall submit a written report before the proposal is scheduled for debate by the Assembly.
Rule 151. Consideration by the Assembly. After receiving the committee report, the Assembly shall consider the proposal in plenary sitting.
Rule 152. Debate. Debate on legislative proposals shall proceed in accordance with Chapter 6 of these rules.
Rule 153. Amendments. Amendments shall ordinarily be considered before the Assembly votes on the proposal.
Rule 154. Final Vote. Following debate and consideration of amendments, the Assembly shall vote upon the proposal.
Rule 155. Adoption or Rejection of Proposals. A proposal receiving the required majority shall be adopted, and a proposal failing to receive the required majority shall be rejected.
Rule 156. Reintroduction. A rejected proposal may be introduced again during a later sitting or legislative term.
Rule 157. Revision by the Sponsor. Before final consideration, the sponsor may revise a proposal with the consent of the Speaker or, if debate has begun, with the consent of the Assembly.
Rule 158. Withdrawal of a Proposal. The sponsor may withdraw a proposal before committee consideration; thereafter, withdrawal requires the consent of the Assembly.
Rule 159. Consolidation and Separation of Proposals. The Speaker may direct that substantially related proposals be considered together where doing so promotes efficient deliberation, and may direct that distinct matters contained within a proposal be considered separately whenever fairness or clarity so requires.
Rule 160. Official Text and Publication of Measures. Following adoption, the Clerk shall prepare the official text of every legislative instrument for publication, and every adopted Bill, Resolution, policy statement, and recommendation shall be published in OLIS and on the official website of the Assembly.
Rule 161. Legislative Record. The Clerk shall maintain a legislative record for every proposal identifying its introduction, committee consideration, amendments, final disposition, and publication.
Rule 162. Quality of Legislation. The Assembly shall strive to produce legislative proposals that are clear, constitutionally sound, practically workable, plainly written, and suitable as models for democratic governance.
CHAPTER 9. AMENDMENTS
Rule 163. Purpose and Right to Amend. An amendment proposes a change to improve, clarify, correct, or refine a proposal before its final adoption by the Assembly, and any Member or committee may propose an amendment to a Bill, Resolution, policy statement, recommendation, or other proposal under consideration.
Rule 164. Form and Availability of Amendments. An amendment shall be submitted electronically to the Clerk and shall clearly identify the text proposed to be inserted, omitted, substituted, or rearranged, and the Clerk shall make every amendment available to Members before it is considered whenever reasonably practicable.
Rule 165. Presentation of Amendments. The mover of an amendment shall have up to three minutes to explain its purpose and effect.
Rule 166. Scope of Debate. Debate on an amendment shall be confined to the amendment itself and its effect upon the proposal.
Rule 167. Committee Amendments. Committee amendments shall ordinarily be considered before amendments proposed by individual Members.
Rule 168. Order of Consideration. The Speaker shall determine the order in which amendments are considered so as to promote clarity and efficient deliberation.
Rule 169. Related Amendments. The Speaker may group related amendments for debate while directing separate votes whenever separate decisions are appropriate.
Rule 170. Friendly Amendments and Objections. A proposed amendment accepted by the sponsor of the proposal and not objected to by any Member may be incorporated without a separate vote; however, if any Member objects to a friendly amendment, it shall be debated and decided under the ordinary amendment procedure.
Rule 171. Relevance and Scope of Amendments. Every amendment shall relate directly to the proposal under consideration and shall not introduce a new subject unrelated to the proposal before the Assembly.
Rule 172. Amendment to an Amendment. One amendment to a pending amendment may be considered, but no further amendment shall be permitted until the first has been decided.
Rule 173. Withdrawal of an Amendment. The mover may withdraw an amendment before debate begins; thereafter, withdrawal requires the consent of the Assembly.
Rule 174. Technical Corrections. The Clerk may recommend technical, grammatical, formatting, or drafting corrections that do not alter the substantive effect of a proposal.
Rule 175. Order of Decision. Every amendment shall ordinarily be decided before consideration of the principal proposal.
Rule 176. Effect of Adoption. An amendment adopted by the Assembly immediately becomes part of the proposal under consideration.
Rule 177. Recording and Publication of Amendments. The Clerk shall record the disposition of every amendment in the legislative record, and adopted amendments shall be incorporated into the official text published in OLIS.
Rule 178. Purpose of Amendment Procedure. Amendment procedures shall be administered so as to improve legislative quality, encourage constructive participation, and avoid unnecessary procedural complexity.
CHAPTER 10. VOTING AND DECISIONS
Rule 179. Principle of Decision. The Assembly shall reach its decisions by vote following fair and orderly deliberation.
Rule 180. Equality and Personal Character of Votes. Every Member has one vote carrying equal weight, and every Member shall cast his or her own vote, as proxy voting shall not be permitted.
Rule 181. Quorum for Voting. No substantive vote shall be taken unless a quorum is present.
Rule 182. Methods of Voting. The Assembly may vote by voice vote, electronic poll, roll-call vote, or unanimous consent in accordance with these rules.
Rule 183. Voice Votes and Electronic Polls. The Speaker may determine routine procedural questions by voice vote whenever the result is clear, but the Assembly should ordinarily decide substantive questions by electronic poll conducted through the Virtual Chamber.
Rule 184. Roll-Call Votes and Their Conduct. A roll-call vote shall be conducted when required by these rules, directed by the Speaker, or requested by at least one-fifth of the Members present, during which the Clerk shall call the name of each Member, and each Member shall respond “Yes,” “No,” or “Abstain.”
Rule 185. Unanimous Consent and Objections. The Speaker may determine a matter by unanimous consent if no Member objects, but if any Member objects, the matter shall proceed to an ordinary vote.
Rule 186. Order of Voting. The Assembly shall ordinarily vote first on amendments, then on the principal proposal as amended.
Rule 187. Announcement of Results. The Speaker shall announce the result of every vote immediately after it has been determined.
Rule 188. Simple Majorities and Abstentions. Unless these rules expressly provide otherwise, a question shall be decided by a simple majority of the Members voting, and a Member who abstains shall be counted for quorum but shall not be counted in determining the majority required for adoption.
Rule 189. Tie Vote. A tie vote defeats the question.
Rule 190. Special Majorities. A two-thirds majority shall be required only where these rules expressly so provide.
Rule 191. Correction of Votes and Clerical Errors. A Member may correct an incorrectly recorded vote before the Assembly proceeds to the next item of business, and the Speaker may direct the Clerk to correct an obvious clerical error in the recording of a vote that does not alter the decision of the Assembly.
Rule 192. Motion and Decision on Reconsideration. A Member voting with the prevailing side may move to reconsider a decision before the adjournment of the next regular sitting, and the Assembly shall first decide whether to reopen the matter before reconsidering the original question.
Rule 193. Finality of Decisions. A decision becomes final when announced by the Speaker unless reconsidered in accordance with these rules.
Rule 194. Recording and Publication of Votes. The Clerk shall record the outcome of every vote in the minutes and the legislative record, and voting results shall be published in OLIS together with the proposal to which they relate.
Rule 195. Explanation of Vote. With the permission of the Speaker, a Member may briefly explain his or her vote after the result has been announced, provided that the explanation does not reopen debate.
Rule 196. Integrity of Voting. Members shall cast their votes honestly, independently, and in accordance with their own judgment and conscience.
Rule 197. Respect for Decisions. Every Member shall respect the decisions of the Assembly while retaining the right to seek reconsideration or future amendment in accordance with these rules.
PART VI. RECORDS AND PUBLICATION
CHAPTER 11. OFFICIAL RECORDS
Rule 198. Official Records and the Official Legislative Information System. The Assembly shall maintain complete and accurate official records of its proceedings, decisions, and publications, and the Official Legislative Information System (OLIS) is the official electronic repository of the records and publications of the Assembly.
Rule 199. Administration of OLIS and Official Website. The Clerk shall administer OLIS on behalf of the Assembly, ensuring that it remains organized, current, and accessible, and OLIS shall be maintained through the official website of the Assembly, which serves as the principal source of public information concerning its work.
Rule 200. Official Publications. The Clerk shall publish in OLIS all Bills, Resolutions, policy statements, recommendations, committee reports, agendas, approved minutes, and other public documents of the Assembly.
Rule 201. Publication of Agendas and Minutes. The agenda for every sitting shall be published in OLIS before the sitting whenever reasonably practicable, and the approved minutes of every sitting shall be published in OLIS as the official written summary of the proceedings.
Rule 202. Committee Reports. Committee reports shall be published in OLIS after they have been presented to the Assembly.
Rule 203. Adopted Measures. Every Bill, Resolution, policy statement, recommendation, and other measure adopted by the Assembly shall be published in OLIS in its official form.
Rule 204. Speaker’s Rulings and Precedents. Significant procedural rulings of the Speaker should be published in OLIS to promote consistency and assist future interpretation of these rules, and such published procedural rulings may serve as parliamentary precedents for the interpretation and application of these rules.
Rule 205. Recording of Sittings and Meetings. Every public sitting of the Assembly should ordinarily be recorded using the recording facilities of the Virtual Chamber, and committees should ordinarily record their public meetings whenever reasonably practicable.
Rule 206. Publication of Recordings. Recordings of public sittings and committee meetings should ordinarily be published through OLIS and the official online channels of the Assembly.
Rule 207. Official Record of Proceedings. The official record of a sitting consists of the approved minutes together with any official recording published by the Assembly.
Rule 208. Clerical Corrections and Official Forms. The Clerk may correct typographical, formatting, grammatical, or other clerical errors in official publications provided that the substance of any decision of the Assembly is not altered, and may prescribe standard electronic forms for Bills, Resolutions, committee reports, amendments, motions, and other official documents.
Rule 209. Preservation of Official and Historical Records. The Assembly shall preserve its official records for future reference, institutional continuity, and historical research, and historical records of the Assembly should remain available through OLIS whenever reasonably practicable.
Rule 210. Public Information. The Clerk shall publish notices, legislative calendars, announcements, educational materials, and other public information that assists Members and the public in following the work of the Assembly.
Rule 211. Accessibility. Official publications should be presented in a clear, organized, searchable, and publicly accessible manner to encourage civic education and transparency.
Rule 212. Institutional Memory. The records of the Assembly shall be maintained so as to preserve its institutional memory, parliamentary precedents, and educational work for the benefit of future Members and the public.
PART VII. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
CHAPTER 12. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Rule 213. Principles and Methods of Public Participation. The Assembly recognizes informed public participation as an essential element of democratic deliberation and civic education, and members of the public may participate through public hearings, written submissions, petitions, educational forums, or other methods approved by the Assembly.
Rule 214. Equal Treatment. Every person participating in the work of the Assembly shall be treated with courtesy, fairness, impartiality, and respect.
Rule 215. Public Hearings and Notices. A committee may conduct a public hearing on any matter within its jurisdiction whenever it considers that public participation would assist its deliberations, and the Clerk shall publish reasonable notice of every public hearing through OLIS whenever practicable.
Rule 216. Registration and Order of Speakers. A person wishing to address a public hearing should register before the hearing whenever reasonably practicable, and the Chair shall determine the order of speakers and should seek to provide a fair opportunity for differing viewpoints to be heard.
Rule 217. Opening Statements. Unless the Chair directs otherwise, each invited speaker shall have up to five minutes for an opening statement.
Rule 218. Questions by Members. Committee Members may question witnesses or participants through the Chair.
Rule 219. Respectful Proceedings. Public hearings shall be conducted respectfully, fairly, and without unnecessary interruption.
Rule 220. Written Submissions and Expert Witnesses. Any person may submit written observations concerning a matter under consideration by the Assembly or one of its committees, and a committee may invite experts or persons with relevant knowledge or experience to assist its deliberations.
Rule 221. Order at Hearings. The Chair may direct any participant whose conduct seriously disrupts a public hearing to cease speaking or withdraw from the proceedings.
Rule 222. Recording and Publication of Hearings. Public hearings should ordinarily be recorded using the facilities of the Virtual Chamber, and recordings of public hearings and the related committee reports should ordinarily be published through OLIS.
Rule 223. Submission and Referral of Petitions. Any person may submit a petition requesting that the Assembly consider a matter within its educational or legislative purposes, and the Speaker may refer a petition to an appropriate committee for consideration and recommendation.
Rule 224. Consideration of Petitions. A committee receiving a petition shall determine whether the matter warrants further study, public consultation, legislative action, or no further action.
Rule 225. Public Forums and Educational Activities. A committee may organize educational presentations, and the Assembly may organize public forums, educational programmes, workshops, seminars, and similar activities to promote public understanding of democratic institutions, parliamentary procedure, and constitutional, legislative, or public policy issues.
Rule 226. Youth Participation. The Assembly encourages the participation of students and young Eritreans in its educational programmes and parliamentary activities.
Rule 227. Cooperation with Civil Society. The Assembly welcomes constructive engagement with universities, professional associations, civic organizations, community groups, and other institutions whose work contributes to democratic development.
Rule 228. Public Information. The Clerk shall publish information concerning opportunities for public participation whenever reasonably practicable.
Rule 229. Purpose of Public Participation. Public participation should strengthen legislative deliberation, civic education, democratic culture, and public confidence in the Assembly.
PART VIII. MEMBERS
CHAPTER 13. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
Rule 230. Purpose and Dignity of the Assembly. These standards promote professionalism, mutual respect, responsible deliberation, and public confidence in the Assembly, and every Member shall conduct himself or herself in a manner that upholds the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the Assembly.
Rule 231. Courtesy. Members shall treat one another, officers, employees, witnesses, and members of the public with courtesy and respect.
Rule 232. Preparation and Attendance of Members. Members should prepare for every sitting by reviewing the agenda, committee reports, and supporting documents in advance, and should attend the sittings of the Assembly and the committees to which they are assigned unless reasonably prevented from doing so.
Rule 233. Punctuality. Members should enter the Virtual Chamber before the scheduled commencement of every sitting and remain until the sitting is adjourned unless excused by the Speaker.
Rule 234. Appearance and Official Virtual Backgrounds. Members participating in public sittings shall wear professional business attire or recognised Eritrean national formal attire, and shall use the official virtual background approved by the Assembly or another background approved by the Speaker.
Rule 235. Environment and Visibility of Members. Members should participate from a quiet, orderly, and professional environment suitable for parliamentary proceedings, and should ordinarily remain visible throughout public sittings unless excused by the Speaker for reasonable cause.
Rule 236. Electronic Devices. Electronic devices may be used for legislative work provided that they do not distract the Member or disrupt the proceedings of the Assembly.
Rule 237. Speaking and Listening Decorum. Members shall speak clearly, respectfully, concisely, and in a manner that contributes constructively to deliberation, and should listen attentively while another Member has the floor, refraining from engaging in distracting conduct.
Rule 238. Interruptions. Members shall not interrupt another Member except as permitted by these rules or recognized by the Speaker.
Rule 239. Parliamentary Language and Respect. Members shall use dignified parliamentary language, shall refrain from insulting, abusive, threatening, or discriminatory expressions, and shall respect the right of every other Member to hold and express differing opinions without intimidation or ridicule.
Rule 240. Constructive Debate. Members should direct their remarks to the issues under consideration rather than to personalities and should seek practical solutions whenever possible.
Rule 241. Intellectual Honesty and Openness to Persuasion. Members should distinguish facts from opinions, acknowledge uncertainty where appropriate, correct significant factual errors when they become aware of them, and are encouraged to reconsider their views when persuaded by sound reasoning, persuasive argument, or reliable evidence.
Rule 242. Collegiality. Members should cultivate professional relationships based upon cooperation, mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to the success of the Assembly.
Rule 243. Respect for Decisions. Members shall respect the decisions of the Assembly while retaining the right to seek reconsideration or future amendment in accordance with these rules.
Rule 244. Mentorship and Continuing Education of Members. Experienced Members are encouraged to assist and mentor newer Members in parliamentary practice, legislative drafting, and constitutional government, and Members are encouraged continually to improve their knowledge of constitutional law, parliamentary procedure, legislative drafting, public administration, and democratic governance.
Rule 245. Educational Responsibility. Members should remember that the proceedings of the Assembly are educational in nature and that their conduct contributes to the development of democratic culture in Eritrea.
Rule 246. Service Above Self. Members should place the long-term interests, credibility, and institutional development of the Assembly above personal recognition, political advantage, or individual preference.
CHAPTER 14. ETHICS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Rule 247. Purpose and Trust of Membership. These rules promote integrity, impartiality, accountability, and public confidence in the Assembly, and membership in the Assembly is a public trust that shall be exercised honestly, responsibly, and in furtherance of the educational purposes of the Assembly.
Rule 248. Integrity. Members shall perform their duties with honesty, fairness, independence, and respect for democratic principles.
Rule 249. Independent Judgment. Every Member shall exercise independent judgment when considering matters before the Assembly and shall not knowingly permit improper influence to affect parliamentary decisions.
Rule 250. Accuracy and Correction of the Record. Members should make every reasonable effort to ensure that statements made before the Assembly are accurate and supported by reliable information, and a Member who becomes aware of a significant factual error in his or her remarks should correct the record at the earliest reasonable opportunity.
Rule 251. Responsible Use of Information. Members are encouraged to support proposals and arguments with reliable evidence and to distinguish clearly between fact, opinion, and speculation.
Rule 252. Disclosure of Interests and Its Effects. A Member whose personal, professional, financial, organizational, or other significant interest is directly affected by a matter under consideration should disclose that interest before participating in debate, although disclosure of an interest does not by itself prevent a Member from participating in debate or voting unless the Member voluntarily decides otherwise.
Rule 253. Voluntary Recusal. A Member who believes that a conflict of interest substantially impairs independent judgment should voluntarily refrain from participating in debate and voting on that matter.
Rule 254. Gifts and Benefits. A Member shall not solicit or knowingly accept any gift, benefit, or advantage that could reasonably be perceived as influencing the Member’s parliamentary judgment.
Rule 255. Personal Advantage. A Member shall not use membership in the Assembly primarily for personal, financial, commercial, or reputational advantage inconsistent with the purposes of the Assembly.
Rule 256. Official Resources and Artificial Intelligence. The name, emblem, website, publications, Virtual Chamber, OLIS, and other resources of the Assembly shall be used only for official, educational, or authorized purposes, and while Members may use artificial intelligence to assist research, drafting, translation, summarization, and analysis, they remain personally responsible for every proposal, amendment, statement, report, and vote submitted in their name.
Rule 257. Confidentiality. Members shall respect the confidentiality of matters considered in executive session unless the Assembly decides otherwise.
Rule 258. Request for Ethical Guidance. A Member may request confidential guidance from the Speaker concerning the application of these rules to a particular situation.
Rule 259. Raising and Informally Resolving Ethical Concerns. A Member who reasonably believes that these rules have been seriously violated may bring the matter to the attention of the Speaker, and whenever appropriate, ethical concerns should first be addressed through discussion, clarification, voluntary correction, or apology before formal action is considered.
Rule 260. Referral to the Assembly. Where informal resolution is inappropriate or unsuccessful, the Speaker may refer the matter to the Assembly for consideration.
Rule 261. Procedural Fairness. No Member shall be subject to corrective action without receiving notice of the concern and a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
Rule 262. Corrective Measures and Proportionality. The Assembly may issue advice, request a correction or apology, administer a formal reprimand, suspend specified parliamentary privileges for a limited period, or adopt any other proportionate corrective measure consistent with these rules, provided that any corrective measure adopted by the Assembly shall be proportionate to the seriousness of the conduct concerned.
Rule 263. Educational Approach. Ethical concerns should be resolved in a manner that promotes learning, reconciliation, institutional improvement, and respect for democratic values while preserving the integrity of the Assembly.
Rule 264. Good Faith Participation. No Member shall be criticized or disciplined merely for expressing a sincere opinion or advancing a proposal in good faith through the procedures established by these rules.
Rule 265. Public Confidence. Every Member shall conduct himself or herself in a manner that strengthens public confidence in the integrity, professionalism, and educational mission of the Assembly.
PART IX. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 15. INTERPRETATION, PRECEDENTS, AND AMENDMENT OF THE RULES
Rule 266. Authority and Interpretation of the Rules. These rules govern the proceedings of the Assembly, shall prevail over any inconsistent parliamentary practice or custom, and shall be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning and in a manner that promotes fairness, orderly deliberation, institutional efficiency, and the purposes of the Assembly.
Rule 267. Unprovided Cases and Explanations for Rulings. Where these rules do not expressly provide for a procedural matter, the Speaker shall decide the question having regard to these rules, established parliamentary principles, and previous rulings of the Assembly, and the Speaker should briefly explain any ruling that resolves a significant procedural question or establishes a new parliamentary precedent.
Rule 268. Appeal and Decisions on Rulings. A Member may appeal a procedural ruling of the Speaker unless these rules expressly provide that the ruling is final, which appeal shall be decided by the Assembly without extended debate, and the decision of the Assembly is final.
Rule 269. Parliamentary Precedents and Their Publication. Significant procedural rulings of the Speaker that are not reversed by the Assembly may serve as parliamentary precedents for the interpretation and application of these rules, and should be published in OLIS for the guidance of Members and future Assemblies.
Rule 270. Consistency. The Speaker should ordinarily follow established parliamentary precedents unless there is good reason to depart from them in the interests of fairness, efficiency, or the proper development of parliamentary practice.
Rule 271. Comparative Parliamentary Practice. Where guidance cannot reasonably be found in these rules or in the precedents of the Assembly, the Speaker may consider the practices of other democratic legislatures to the extent they are consistent with the educational purposes and institutional design of the Assembly.
Rule 272. Periodic Review. The Speaker and the Clerk should periodically review these rules and may recommend amendments to improve their clarity, consistency, practicality, and effectiveness.
Rule 273. Proposals and Form of Amendments to the Rules. Any Member may propose an amendment to these rules by submitting it electronically to the Clerk, clearly identifying the rule proposed to be amended together with the proposed new text.
Rule 274. Notice of Amendment. A proposed amendment should ordinarily be circulated to Members before it is considered by the Assembly.
Rule 275. Committee Consideration. The Speaker may refer a proposed amendment to an appropriate committee for study and recommendation before it is considered by the Assembly.
Rule 276. Adoption of Amendments. An amendment to these rules shall require the approval of two-thirds of the Members present and voting.
Rule 277. Effective Date. Unless the Assembly decides otherwise, an amendment to these rules shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
Rule 278. Official Edition and Preservation of Rules. Following the adoption of any amendment, the Clerk shall revise and publish the official edition of these rules through OLIS, while earlier editions should be preserved as part of the institutional records of the Assembly.
Rule 279. Continuous Improvement. Members are encouraged continually to recommend improvements that strengthen the clarity, simplicity, fairness, educational value, and practical operation of these rules.
PART X. CONTINUITY OF THE ASSEMBLY
CHAPTER 16. INSTITUTIONAL CONTINUITY
Rule 280. Purpose and Institutional Development. The Assembly shall preserve and strengthen its institutional knowledge, democratic traditions, and parliamentary practices for the benefit of present and future Members, and shall continually seek to improve the quality of its deliberations, legislative work, administrative practices, and public engagement.
Rule 281. Democratic Values. Through its proceedings and educational activities, the Assembly shall promote constitutional government, the rule of law, representative democracy, respect for human dignity, and responsible public leadership.
Rule 282. Institutional Learning. Every legislative term shall be regarded as an opportunity to strengthen the parliamentary culture, procedures, and institutional maturity of the Assembly.
Rule 283. Orientation of New Members. Every new Member should participate in an orientation programme before regularly participating in the proceedings of the Assembly, which programme should introduce Members to these rules, parliamentary procedure, legislative drafting, committee practice, the Virtual Chamber, OLIS, and the standards expected of Members.
Rule 284. Continuing Education and Mentorship. The Assembly should periodically organize educational programmes to strengthen the constitutional, legislative, and parliamentary knowledge of its Members, and experienced Members are encouraged to assist newer Members in understanding parliamentary practice, legislative procedure, and the traditions of the Assembly.
Rule 285. Comparative Study and Adaptation of Practice. The Assembly encourages the study of democratic legislatures throughout the world where such study contributes to the improvement of its own institutions and procedures, provided that comparative parliamentary practices should be adapted to the circumstances, objectives, and educational mission of the Assembly rather than adopted without thoughtful consideration.
Rule 286. Research. The Assembly encourages research relating to constitutional law, parliamentary procedure, legislative drafting, democratic governance, and public administration.
Rule 287. Institutional Cooperation. The Assembly may cooperate with educational institutions, research organizations, professional associations, civil society organizations, and other bodies whose work contributes to democratic development and civic education.
Rule 288. Publications. The Assembly may publish manuals, guides, research papers, model legislation, educational materials, parliamentary precedents, and other publications that advance its institutional mission.
Rule 289. Memory Preservation and Institutional Review. The Clerk shall preserve important records, publications, precedents, educational materials, and historical documents so that future Members may benefit from the work of previous Assemblies, and the Assembly should periodically review its procedures, practices, publications, and educational activities with a view to continuous improvement.
Rule 290. Innovation. The Assembly welcomes practical innovations that improve deliberation, legislative drafting, public participation, civic education, the operation of the Virtual Chamber, and the efficient administration of the Assembly.
Rule 291. Official Symbols. The Assembly may adopt and use an official emblem, seal, flag, virtual background, logo, motto, or other symbols representing the identity and values of the institution.
Rule 292. Public Engagement. The Assembly shall strive to make its work accessible to the public through its website, OLIS, recorded proceedings, publications, and educational outreach activities.
Rule 293. Responsibility of Members and Officers. Every Member and officer should contribute to preserving the dignity, continuity, institutional memory, and long-term development of the Assembly.
Rule 294. Enduring Mission. These rules shall be applied in a manner that strengthens the Assembly as an enduring educational institution dedicated to democratic deliberation, constitutional government, the rule of law, legislative excellence, and public service.