Chamber of Deputies
Chambre des députés |
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| Founded | 1 July 1947 |
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| Seats | 15 |
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Political groups | Government (8)
Opposition (7)
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| First past the post |
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Last election | 6 September 2020 |
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Next election | On or before 1 September 2024 |
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| Place Rose, Port-Anne |
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| www.chambredeputes.sb |
The Chamber of Deputies (Principean: Chambre des députés) is the unicameral parliament of Saint-Baptiste. Formed in 1947 after the independence of the island state, the Chamber of Deputies makes up the legislative branch of the Baptistois government.
Consisting of fifteen deputies (Principean: député), the Chamber is elected every three years by single transferable vote in three constituencies. Constitutionally, since 1990 the Chamber has held the power to legislate, debate, and pass ordinances and laws, as well as nominate the Prime Minister and their cabinet.
History
The interior of the Chamber of Deputies.
The Chamber of Deputies was initially set up as a 10-member legislative assembly in Saint-Baptiste's first constitution during independence negotiations in 1947, which gave the Chamber authority over drafting and voting on bills, although the President was granted an extensive veto power. The Chamber of Deputies however only met in session for less then a year, as the passing of the Security Act following the bombing of the Hôtel Royal in 1948 suspended the Chamber indefinitely as an emergency measure. The Security Act would be repealed in 1990 following the drafting of a new constitution, which gave a revived Chamber increased powers in a semi-presidential system, including the introduction of the position of Prime Minister, nominated by the Chamber. The first elections under this new constitution were held in 1991, and the Chamber of Deputies has met without interruption since. In 2022, the method of electing deputies was changed from first-past-the-post voting to single transferable vote after a referendum officially reforming the Chamber of Deputies.
Colloquially, the Chamber of Deputies is often referred to by local Baptistois and foreign media as Place Rose ("Pink Square"), referring to the pink stucco and wood exterior of the three-building complex the Chamber resides in. Also included within this complex are the residences and offices of both the Prime Minister and the President.
Speaker
The speaker, officially the President of the Chamber of Deputies (Principean: Président de la Chambre des députés) is the presiding officer of the Chamber of Deputies. They are elected by their peers at the beginning of the legislative term, and their role includes directing and moderating debate, officiating discussion, and opening and ending legislative sessions.
The current speaker is Cyrille Boudet of the Baptistois Liberal Party, who has held the position since 2019.
Last election
Composition since 1947
