The House of Peoples’ Representatives of The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Rules of Procedures and Members’ Code of Conduct Regulation

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Preamble……. . . . . . ….. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL

Short Title, Definition and Interpretation of the Regulation

Article 1: Short Title 3
Article 2: Definitions 3
Article 3: Interpretation 7

CHAPTER TWO
Powers, Duties and Organizational Structure of the House

Article 4: Major Powers and Duties of the House 8
Article 5: Structure of the House 9
Article 6: Term of Office and Dissolution of the House 10
Article 7: Joint Functions of the House and the House of Federation 12

CHAPTER THREE
Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House

Article 8: Election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker 13
Article 9: Powers and Duties of the Speaker 16
Article 10: Powers and Duties of the Deputy Speaker 17

CHAPTER FOUR
The Opening Ceremony of the House and
the Address by the President of the
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Article 11: Opening Ceremony of the House 18
Article 12: Vote of Thanks on the Opening Speech by the President …………………………………..……..19

CHAPTER FIVE
Sitting of the House

Article 13: Types of Sitting 21
Article 14: Regular Sitting 21
Article 15: Extra Ordinary Sitting 21
Article 16: Special Sitting 22
Article 17: Sitting of the House in Public 22
Article 18: Closed Sitting 23
Article 19: Calling of Meeting 23
Article 20: Meeting and Seating Protocol of Members 24
Article 21: Conditions Required for Sittings 26
Article 22: Commencement of a Sitting 26
Article 23: Sitting Procedure 27
Article 24: Annual Session and Time of Recess of the House 28
Article 25: Working Language of the House 29
Article 26: Keeping of Minutes 30
Article 27: A Guest Invited to Attend a Sitting 31
Article 28: Support Staff Members 31
Article 29: Debate Discipline and Conduct of Members 32
Article 30: Maintaining Order and Code of Conduct of Business 35

CHAPTER SIX
The Drawing of an Agenda and Allotment of Time

Article 31: Initiating an Agenda 38
Article 32: The Setting of Business 39
Article 33: Moving a Motion to Include an Item not included on the Business of the Day 40
Article 34: Allotment of Time 42
Article 35: Opposition Day 44
Article 36: Time Allotted for Speech 45

CHAPTER SEVEN
Motion

Article 37: Definition 46
Article 38: Types of Motion 46
Article 39: Moving a Motion 47
Article 40: Substantive Motion 48
Article 41: Amendment Motion 49
Article 42: Sub Amendment Motion 49
Article 43: Additional procedures for Amendment Motions and Sub-Amendment Motions 50
Article 44: Criteria for a Motion 51

CHAPTER EIGHT
Decision Making

Article 45: Passing a Decision 52
Article 46: How Ideas Necessary for a Decision are Obtained 54
Article 47: Postponing a Decision to Another Day 55
Article 48: Reconsidering a Matter which has been Decided upon 56

CHAPTER NINE
ENACTMENT OF LAWS

Article 49: Matters Included in the Process of Enactment of Laws 57
Article 50: Initiating Laws 57
Article 51: Readings of the House 59
Article 52: First Reading 59
Article 53: Second Reading 60
Article 54: Third Reading 61
Article 55: Voting 62
Article 56: Time for Considering a Draft Law 62
Article 57: Sending an Approved Law to the President for Signature 62
Article 58: Publication of Law 63
Article 59: Distribution 63
Article 60: Keeping a Record Laws 64

CHAPTER TEN
THE PROCESS OF BUDGET APPROVAL

Article 61: Presenter 64
Article 62: Manner of Presentation 64
Article 63: Time for Deliberation 65
Article 64: Budget Speech 65
Article 65: Consideration of the Draft Budget 65
Article 66: Allocation of Deliberation Time 66
Article 67: Making a Motion to Cut the Budget 66
Article 68: The Manner of Moving a Motion to Cut the Budget 66
Article 69: The Criteria for Cut Motion 67
Article 70: The Conditions for Not Accepting a Cut Motion 68
Article 71: Time for Notifying a Cut Motion. 68
Article 72: Approval of a Draft Budget 68

CHAPTER ELEVEN
Follow up and Supervision

Article 73: Objectives of Follow up and Supervision 69
Article 74: Matters and Bodies to be Supervised and Followed-up 69
Article 75: Mechanism of Supervision and Follow-up 70
Article 76: Reports to be Directly Submitted to the House 72
Article 77: Manner of Reporting 73
Article 78: Calling Procedure of Report Presenters 74
Article 79: Content and Submission Time of Reports 75
Article 80: Program for Report Hearing by the House 76
Article 81: Protocol and Code of Conduct of Report Presenters 76
Article 82: Report Deliberation Procedure 77
Article 83: Report Submitted by a Committee to the House 78
Article 84: Examination of Evidence 79
Article 85: Order for Auditing Given by the House 81
Article 86: Receiving Information 81
Article 87: Question Time 83
Article 88: Procedure of Presenting Questions 83
Article 89: Content of a Question 84
Article 90: Conditions for Accepting a Question 86
Article 91: Supplementary Questions 87
Article 92: A Question Submitted at Short Notice 87
Article 93: Vote of No Confidence 89
Article 94: Submission of a Motion of No Confidence and its Admissibility 89

CHAPTER TWELVE
Procedure of Election and Appointment

Article 95: Election Appointment and Approval of Officials by the House 90
Article 96: The Election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker 91
Article 97: Appointment of the Prime Minister 91
Article 98: Approval of the Appointment of Federal Court Judges 92
Article 99: Approval of the Appointment of Ministers, Commissioners, Auditor-General, Members of the Election Board and Members of the Population Census Commission 94
Article 100: Appointment of Officials Directly Approved by the House 95
Article 101: Taking an Oath 96

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Facilitating Conditions by which Members Meet with their Electorate

Article 102: Time at Which Members Meet with their Electorate 97
Article 103: The Role of the House in the Process of Members Communication with the Electorate 98
Article 104: Ways through which Members Communicate with Their Electorate. 99

CHAPTER FOURTEN
Other Functions of the House

Article 105: Lifting the Immunity of a Member 100
Article 106: Visits and Participation in Sittings 103
Article 107: Prizes and Gifts 104
Article 108: Attending as a Guest of Honour 105

CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Rights of Members

Article 109: The Right Not to be Arrested and Prosecuted 105
Article 110: The Right to Speak in his own Language 106
Article 111: Immunity with Respect to Casting Vote or Giving Opinion 106
Article 112: The Right to Meet with the Electorates 106
Article 113: The Right to Attend Committee Meetings 107
Article 114: The Right to Initiate a Draft Law and Submit an Agenda 107
Article 115: The Right to Maternity Leave 107
Article 116: The Right to Resign from Membership of the House 107
Article 117: The Rights of Ex-members 108
Article 118: Obtaining Service 109

CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Member’s Code of Conduct

Article 119: General Principle 109
Article 120: Promoting National Values 109
Article 121: Honesty and Transparency 110
Article 122: Using Power Properly 110
Article 123: Discharging Responsibilities 110
Article 124: Keeping the Prestige and Dignity of the House 111
Article 125: Confidentiality 111
Article 126: Being Free from Corruption 112
Article 127: Refraining from Acts Likely to Cause Conflicts Among Peoples 113
Article 128: Accountability 113
Article 129: Setting an Example 113
Article 130: Conflicts of Interest 114

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Making the Rights and Code of Conduct
of Members to be Observed

Article 131: General Provision 115
Article 132: The Observance of Rights 115
Article 133: Observing the Code of Conduct 116

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Committees

Article 134: General Provision 119
Article 135: Formation of Committees 119
Article 136: Sittings of a Committee 119
Article 137: Accountability 121
Article 138: Term of Office 122
Article 139: Evidence 122
Article 140: Report 122
Article 141: Internal Structure and Operation 123

CHAPTER NINETEEN
The Business Advisory Committee of the House

Article 142: Formation 123
Article 143: Powers and Functions 124
Article 144: The Rules of Procedure of the Committee 125
Article 145: Time of Sitting and Procedure of Giving Decisions 127

CHAPTER TWENTY
Coordinating Committee

Article 146: Formation 128
Article 147: Powers and Functions 128
Article 148: Time of Sittings 129

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Standing Committees

Article 149: Formation 130
Article 150: Powers and Duties 131
Article 151: The Power and Duties of the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson 132
Article 152: Sitting of Standing Committees 133
Article 153: Inspecting a Draft Law 134
Article 154: Debate on Draft Laws 135
Article 155: The Supervision and Follow-up of Government Bodies. 137
Article 156: Initiating Laws 140
Article 157: Receiving Suggestions 140
Article 158: Recommendations 141
Article 159: Forums and Seminars Staged by Standing Committees 142
Article 160: Communiqué of Standing Committees 143
Article 161: Code of Conducts of Standing Committee Members 144
Article 162: Sub Committee 144
Article 163: Adhoc Committees 145

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

Article 164: The Capacity Building Affairs Standing Committee 146
Article 165: The Trade and Industry Affairs Standing Committee 147
Article 166: The Rural Development Affairs Standing Committee 147
Article 167: The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Affairs Standing Committee 148
Article 168: The Infrastructure Development Affairs Standing Committee 149
Article 169: The Budget and Finance Affairs Standing Committee 150
Article 170: The Legal and Administration Affairs Standing Committee 151
Article 171: The Foreign, Defense and Security Affairs Standing Committee. 152
Article 172: The Women’s Affairs Standing Committee 153
Article 173: The Information and Cultural Affairs Standing Committee 155
Article 174: The Social Affairs Standing Committee 156
Article 175: The Pastoralists’ Affairs Standing Committee 157
Article 176: Public Accounts Standing Committee 159

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
FRIENDSHIP COMMITTEES

Article 177: Establishment of Friendship Committees 160
Article 178: Powers and Functions of Friendship Committees 161
Article 179: Working Mechanism of the Friendship Committee 161
Article 180: Relations with Parliamentary Unions 162

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
PARTY WHIPS

Article 181: Parliamentary Groups 163
Article 182: Organization of Government Whips 164
Article 183: Appointment of Government Whips 164
Article 184: Accountability of Government Whips 164
Article 185: Powers and Duties of Government Whips 165
Article 186: Organization of Other Whips 167
Article 187: Appointment of Other Party Whips 168
Article 188: Accountability of Other Party Whips 168
Article 189: Powers and Duties of Chief Whips of Other Parties 168

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Miscellaneous Provisions

Article 190: Sergeant at Arms 170
Article 191: Issuance of Directives 171
Article 192 Repealed Laws 171
Article 193: Effective Date 172

The House of Peoples’ Representatives Regulation No 3/2006

The House of Peoples’ Representatives of The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Rules of Procedures and Member’s Code of Conduct Regulation

PREAMBLE

WHEREAS, it is essential to lay down an organizational structure and rules of procedures based on transparency, accountability and participation which will enable the House of Peoples’ Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to exercise the powers and duties vested in it by the Constitution of the FDRE and discharge the responsibilities entrusted to it by the peoples of Ethiopia;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to lay down the conditions whereby members of the House and Parliamentary groups can play a constructive role and actively participate in the functions of the House, and define the rules of procedures and Code of Conduct to be followed by the members of the House in the discharge of their duties as well as in the exercise of their rights;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to enact in general a comprehensive and precise regulation, whereby differences of opinion are tolerated, majority voice respected, minority voice heard, democratic tradition advanced; and which is in conformity with the laws of the Country as well as international parliamentary principles, practices and traditions;

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with Article 59(2) of the Constitution of the FDRE this Regulation of parliamentary rules of procedure and Code of Conduct is here by issued.

CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL

Short Title, Definition and Interpretation of the Regulation

Article 1: Short Title

This Regulation may be cited as “the House of Peoples’ Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Rules of Procedures and Members Code of Conduct Regulation No. 3/2006”

Article 2: Definitions

In this Regulation, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. “Constitution” means the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia;
2. “FDRE” means the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia;
3. “House” means the House of the Peoples’ Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia;
4. “Speaker” means the Speaker of the House;
5. “Committee” means Business, Advisory, Co-ordinating or Standing or Ad-hoc or Sub-Committee established, as the case may be, by the House or Committee to undertake the functions of the House;
6. “Secretariat” means the Secretariat of the House;
7. “Government Bodies” means any Federal State Organ financed totally or partly by the Federal Government Budget;
8. “Government Agenda” means any agenda prepared by the Council of Ministers and submitted to the House;
9. “Resource Person” means any person called upon by the House or a committee, as the case may be, to explain any matter in question;
10. “Honour and Prestige of the House” means the good reputation which the House has with the public or other bodies regarding the dignity and prestige of the House in relation to the status given to it by the Constitution;
11. “Undesirable Behaviour or Undesirable Action” means acts that harm the prestige or dignity of the House and include adultery, drunkenness, spending time at places not befitting one’s status, rumors, fraud and the like;
12. “Committee Leader” means the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson that presides over one of the committees of the House;

13. “Invited Guest” means a person who is invited by the House or committee to present a report or an explanation on a given case or agenda, or to participate as an observer;
14. “Directives” means operational manual issued or passed to another body by the House or committee to help it implement this Regulation;
15. “Ex-member of the House” means a person who was a member of the House by a previous election but is no longer a member by the present election;
16. “Immunity” means the privilege given to a member of the House under Article 54(6) of the Constitution
17. “Government Draft Law” means a draft law prepared by the Council of Ministers and submitted to the House;
18. “First Reading” means the process of reading and general discussion held on fundamental concepts of a draft law submitted to the House before it gets endorsed, or referred to the pertinent Standing Committee for further inspection;
19. “Second Reading” means the process of reading in which detailed discussion is conducted on the draft law;
20. “Third Reading” means discussions and the process of giving decisions conducted after the submission to the House of reports and recommendations, which are prepared regarding the draft law referred to by the House to a Standing Committee(s) for further and extensive re-examination subsequent to the Second reading;
21. “Technical Correction” means rectification of linguistic and related errors which in no way modifies the substance of the given law;
22. “Government Whips” means members of the House, who are members of the party or coalition of parties, which constitute majority in the House, and who are delegated by such party or parties to co-ordinate their activities in the House;
23. “Party Whips” means members of the House who are members of parties other than the ruling party or coalition of parties, which have seats in the House and who are delegated by such parties to co-ordinate their activities in the House;
24. “Main Opposition Party” means the party that has the largest number of seats in the House next to the ruling party;
25. “Second Opposition Party” means the party that has the largest number of seats in the House next to the main opposition party;
26. “Member” means a member of the House.

Article 3: Interpretation

1. Any legal loophole that may arise in the course of implementing this Regulation shall be complemented by way of interpretation made in conformity with existing practices of the House, international parliamentary principles and practices as well as other laws of the Country or, according to the seriousness of the loophole, by enacting legislation.

2. The provision of Sub-Article (1) may not be applied in contradiction to express and mandatory provisions of the Constitution and other laws of the Country.

3. Any loophole in law that may be encountered by committees in the course of discharging their duties under this Regulation, shall, according to the circumstances, be dealt with inconformity with the general working process of the House.

4. As regards all matters dealt within this Regulation, unless the context otherwise clearly shows to the contrary, all provisions refereeing to or set out in the masculine gender shall also apply to feminine gender.

CHAPTER TWO
Powers, Duties and Organizational Structure of the House

Article 4: Major Powers and Duties of the House

1. The House shall have the powers and duties granted to it under Articles 55, 70(1), 79(4)(c), 82(2)(c), 102, 103 and 104 of the Constitution and shall include:
a) legislating;
b) oversighting and controlling governmental bodies and taking measures where necessary;
c) establishing and organizing different committees and other necessary structures of the House;
d) approve or appointing the government officials’;
e) facilitating the conditions for members to meet with the electorate respective constituencies.
2. The House shall perform its functions on the basis of the following general principles:
a) being guided by short and long term plans;
b) creating conducive atmosphere that will help it achieve success in performance;
c) pursuing the principles of transparency, accountability and participation, and
d) evaluating performance.

3. The principle stated in this Sub-Article shall be adopted and applied according to the circumstances for the performance of committee activities in a compatible manner.

Article 5: Structure of the House

1. In accordance with Articles 45 and 50(1) of the Constitution, the Ethiopian government is structured on the basis of the Federal System and has a parliamentary form of structuring of the Houses.
2. In accordance with Article 53 of the Constitution, the Federal Government shall have House of the Peoples’ Representatives and House of Federation.
3. The General organizational set-up of the House shall be as follows:
a) the General Assembly of the House,
b) Office of the Speaker,
c) various Committees,
d) Secretariat of the House;
e) Sergeant-at-Arms of the House,
f) Party (Parliamentary-group) whips.
4. The House shall have its own insignia (Logo).
5. The organization, powers and duties of the Secretariat shall be determined by the relevant law.

Article 6: Term of Office and Dissolution of the House

1. The term of office of the House shall be 5 years in accordance with Article 54(1) of the Constitution.
2. Notwithstanding the provision of Sub-Article (1) above:
a) In accordance with Article 60(1) of the Constitution, the Prime Minister may, with the Consent of the House, cause the dissolution of the House before the expire of its term in order to hold new elections.
b) where political parties lose majority in the House and where the Council of Ministers is dissolved due to the disintegration of their coalition by virtue of which they have had power as a coalition of parties in accordance with Article 60(2) of the Constitution, the President may invite political parties to form a new coalition government with in one week. If the Political parties can not form a new majority coalition government, or the previous coalition does not agree to continue, the House shall be dissolved and new election shall be held.

3. Where the House is dissolved pursuant to Sub-Article (2) above, election shall be held with in 6 months of its dissolution, in accordance with Article 60 (3) of the Constitution.

4. The new House shall commence its functions with in 30 days following the conclusion of the elections, in accordance with Article 60(4) of the Constitution.

5. After the dissolution of the House, in accordance with Article 60 (5) of the Constitution, the previous ruling party or coalition of parties except conducting day to day affairs of government and organizing new election, it may not enact new proclamations, regulations or decrees, nor may it repeal or amend any existing law.

Article 7: Joint Functions of the House and the House of Federation

1. The House and the House of Federation shall jointly perform the following functions:

a) electing the President of the Republic in accordance with Article 70(2) of the Constitution;
b) hearing the opening address of the President at the commencement of their annual session in accordance with Article 70(1) of the Constitution;
c) deciding upon the request made by the House regarding the proper measure to be taken in accordance with Article 55(16) of the Constitution when Human rights are violated with in any State and the violation can not be stopped;
d) determining the exercise of the power of levying taxes, which has not been specifically vested on the Federal Government or the regions in accordance with Article 99 of the Constitution;
e) amending the Constitution in accordance with Article 105 (2) of the Constitution.
2. The joint functions of the House shall be discharged in accordance with rules of procedure to be issued jointly by them.

CHAPTER THREE
Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House

Article 8: Election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker

1. In Accordance with Article 55(19)of the Constitution, Speaker and Deputy Speaker, who shall lead the House shall be elected by the House.
2. The election of the Speaker shall be held at the commencement of the term of office of the House under the Chairmanship of the President of FDRE or the Federal Supreme Court.
3. The election of the Speaker shall be conducted as follows:

a) any member may nominate a candidate; he shall give a brief explanation about the nominee;
b) a member nominated as a candidate has to be supported by at least one other member and shall declare his consent;
c) any member may not nominate or support more than one candidate;
d) the candidates nominated shall be registered in alphabetical order and voted for in the same manner;
e) the nominee who wins majority votes (50%+1) shall become the Speaker of the House.
f) where no candidate receives the necessary majority vote (50%+1), any candidate who has won less than (10%) and any candidate who has withdrawn himself following the announcement of the results shall be excluded and the election shall continue until one of the candidates wins the necessary majority (50%+1);
g) even where the candidate nominated is one member, he has to win the necessary majority vote (50%+1);
h) the election shall be conducted by a secret ballot.

4. The candidate who has been elected in the manner provided under “e” above shall be declared to the House and he shall take the chair of the Speaker.

5. The Secretariat shall carry out the following duties in accordance with the instructions of the Chairperson:
a) it shall register nominees as provided under sub-article (3) above
b) it shall, prepare the materials necessary for the election, distribute, collect, count election ballots and notify the results to the Chairperson.
c) it shall have the chairperson decide regarding ballots which have not been properly used, which show irregularity or which are unclear.

6. The election procedure provided in this Article shall also apply for the election of the Deputy Speaker; however, the Speaker of the House shall preside over such election.

7. Where either the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker resigns his position for various reasons before the expiry of the term of his office, another Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall be elected from among the members in accordance with the procedure laid down in this Article under the chairmanship of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker who has remained at his post.

8. In the case where the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker resign as the same time for some reason before the expiry of the term of office of the House, election shall be held in accordance with this provision.

9. The elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker shall, before commencing work, take an oath in accordance with Article 101 of this Regulation.

Article 9: Powers and Duties of the Speaker

The Speaker shall have the following powers and duties:

1. He shall oversee and administer the House.
2. He shall preside over the meetings of the House, ensure order and call special and urgent meetings.
3. He shall give the necessary interpretation to issues requiring interpretation in accordance with Article 3 of this Regulation, or refer such issues to the body concerned.
4. He shall present proposal for elections of committee chairpersons, deputy chairpersons and members thereof as well as members who represent the House in bodies in which it should be represented in accordance with the law.
5. He shall coordinate the activities of the Standing Committees.
6. He shall correspond on behalf of the House.
7. He may delegate some of his powers and duties to his deputy in writing.
8. In consultation with the chief government whip and chief of the main opposition party he shall assign a neutral and professional person to be in charge of the Secretariat.

9. He shall organize and manage the Advisory and Coordinating Committees of the House as provided under this Regulation.
10. He shall appoint or assign bodies accountable to him in accordance with the law.
11. He shall execute disciplinary decision passed by the House on its members.
12. He shall carry out other duties assigned to him by the House.

Article 10: Powers and Duties of the Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker shall have the following powers and duties:

1. He shall deputies for of the Speaker where he is absent, or where he takes a position and decides to take part in a debate of the House.
2. He shall carry out other duties assigned to him by the Speaker.

CHAPTER FOUR
The Opening Ceremony of the House and
the Address by the President of the
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Article 11: Opening Ceremony of the House

1. The House shall commence its annual session by first playing the national anthem of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and performing other necessary ceremonies.
2. The Ceremony to be performed at the commencement of its tenure of office shall be as follows:
a) The national anthem of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia shall be played.
b) Swearing ceremony of members shall take place.
c) The President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia shall make an opening speech, announcing that the two Houses have commenced their respective duties.
d) The content of the oath shall be as follows: “I ______ on commencing my duties on this day as a member of the House, being faithful to the Constitution, undertake to discharge the responsibilities vested in me by the Country and its people with integrity, diligence and in accordance with law and order.” The oath shall be put in writing and signed by each member; it shall also be documented.
e) The oath shall be performed by the President or vice president of the Federal Supreme Court.
f) Each member has the obligation to take the aforesaid oath. Any member who fails did not take to do this shall be suspended temporarily by the Speaker; and then the House shall discuss and pass a decision in accordance with Article 133(7) on the basis of the motion to be presented by the Speaker.
g) The election of the speaker and Deputy Speaker shall be conducted in accordance with Article 8 of this Regulation.
h) The Prime Minister shall be named in accordance with Article 97 of this Regulation.

Article 12: Vote of Thanks on the Opening Speech by the President

1. The Speaker shall, in consultation with the chief government whip, allot the time for the discussion to be held regarding the speech delivered by the president in accordance with Article 71(1) of the Constitution.
2. Members shall freely discuss the motion of thanks regarding the president’s speech. A motion of thanks presented by a member has to get the support of another member.

3. Upon the permission of the Speaker, an amendment motion may be presented to amend the motion presented under Sub-Article (2) above. The amendment motion has to get the support of another member.

4. Where necessary, the time designated for discussing the speech of the President may be used to perform other functions of the House. The Speaker shall decide the time for resuming the interrupted debate.

5. The debate on the speech of the President may be postponed to another time due to government bills or other matters, which deserve priority, as well as any motion that may be presented in accordance with Article 33 of this Regulation.

6. At the end of the discussion, the position of the government shall be declared by the Prime Minister; the motion presented shall be voted upon and the discussion shall be concluded.

7. The Speaker shall allocate the time for debate on the speech.

CHAPTER FIVE
Sitting of the House

Article 13: Types of Sitting

The House shall have the following types of meeting:
1. regular sitting,
2. extra Ordinary sitting,
3. special sitting,
4. closed sitting.

Article 14: Regular Sitting

1. Regular setting is held twice a week as the time provided for under Article 24 of this Regulation.
2. Regular meeting shall be held in the sitting hall of the House designated for it.

Article 15: Extra Ordinary Sitting

1. An extra ordinary sitting may be called during the recess of the House where urgent matters requiring its decisions arise.
2. After an extraordinary sitting has been called, it may be conducted on any day and at any time of the week time until the matter in question is resolved.
3. Notwithstanding the provision of Sub-Article (2) above the House may go in to recess by the decision of the Speaker.
4. An extraordinary sitting may be held at any place the Speaker deems suitable.

Article 16: Special Sitting

1. Where the House is faced with a heavy workload or an urgent matter requiring immediate solution during its regular working season, it may hold a special meeting on any day other than the regular working time.
2. A special sitting may be conducted in a meeting hall designated for this purpose in the House.

Article 17: Sitting of the House in Public

The type of sittings provided for under Articles 14-16 shall be Conducted Publicly in accordance with Article 58(5) of the Constitution.

Article 18: Closed Sitting

1. Notwithstanding the provision of Article 17 above, the House may hold a closed meeting when a request is submitted by members of the House or the Federal Executive body and is supported by a decision of more than one half of the members.
2. The time and place for closed sitting shall be decided on the basis of the type of sitting.

Article 19: Calling of Meeting

1. The regular sessions of the House shall be conducted on the days fixed for such sessions without the need of notifying the members who are required to be present on time.

2. If a regular meeting is not to be held, the House shall notify the members thereof.

3. A special meeting of the House may be called:
a) by the Speaker, or
b) by a motion presented by any member.

4. A motion presented under “b” shall be supported by majority vote.
5. While the House is in recess in accordance with Article 58(4) of the Constitution, the Speaker shall call extraordinary meeting by using various means of communication where such a meeting has been asked for by the Speaker or by more than half of the members.

6. When a motion presented by the government or (1/3) members of the House is supported by more than half of the members a closed meeting may be held.

7. The means of communication used by the House to call meetings shall as much as possible be easy to notice or hear or to know for the members or any other concerned bodies.

Article 20: Meeting and Seating Protocol of Members

1. Meeting Protocol shall be as follows:

a) Any member of the House shall dress himself in a manner compatible with the prestige and dignity of the House during all meetings.
b) Without prejudice to the general statement under (a) above, any member shall be dressed in suit or cultural costume.
c) Committee members shall also dress in a manner compatible with the prestige and dignity of the House in the course of their official relations representing the House.
d) Any member or invited guest may in no way enter the compound of the House carrying an object which has no relevance or is unnecessary to the meeting.

2. Seating order during meeting session shall be as follows:

a) The order of seating in the meeting hall of members and invited guests shall be determined by the Speaker in consultation with those concerned.
b) Any member or invited guest may not sit at any place other than the seat assigned to him.

3. The Secretariat shall follow up and supervise the implementation of this provision.

Article 21: Conditions Required for Sittings

1. The Secretariat shall ensure beforehand, that the conditions for a meeting are satisfied.
2. Any member shall attend all sitting of the House except due to force majeure or where he has permission from the body concerned.
3. Prior to the commencement of each days session, the secretariat shall check attendance by calling out the names of the members.
4. Where the conditions to hold a session are not fulfilled, or an event amounting to force majeure is encountered, the Secretariat shall immediately inform the Speaker about it.
5. If the session can not be held due to the conditions stated under Sub-Article (4) above, the Speaker shall notify the members about it through the Secretariat.

Article 22: Commencement of a Sitting

1. When, by the ringing of a bell or any other signal it is declared that the commencement time of the meeting is at hand, members are expected to enter the meeting hall and take their seats.
2. After the members have taken their seats and other necessary conditions have been satisfied, the Speaker shall be ushered in by the protocol to take his seat; then he shall open the meeting by the sound of gravel.
3. The Speaker shall, in accordance with Article 58(1) of the Constitution, ascertain whether the quorum (the presence of more than half of the members ) is obtained.
4. Where the quorum is satisfied the Speaker shall present to the House the agendas setout in accordance with this Regulation.

Article 23: Sitting Procedure

1. In accordance with Article 9(2) of this Regulation, all meetings of the House shall be presided over by the Speaker.
2. The Speaker shall pursue neutral, fair and balanced stand in all meetings he presides over.
3. Whenever the Speaker wishes to give the privilege of speaking to a member at his discretion, he shall take in to account the participation of all members.
4. While presiding over a meeting, the Speaker shall ensure that the conducting of such meeting is compatible with the prestige and dignity of the Country and the House.
5. The Speaker may not intervene and interrupt a member while expressing his opinion, unless such member contravenes the procedure and Code of Conduct provided in this Regulation .
6. The Speaker is expected to give precedence to any member that raises a question of point of order in the course of the meeting. A member, whose speech is interrupted due to the reason mentioned, shall be compensated for the time lost by the interruption.
7. After sufficient discussion (deliberation) has been conducted on the matter presented on the agenda with in the time fixed for it, the Speaker shall cause a decision to be given on the case.
8. The Speaker shall cause voting to take place by organizing the opinions raised during the discussion by members in a manner suitable for decision.
9. The provision of this article shall, according to the circumstances, be applied by the leaders of committees.

Article 24: Annual Session and Time of Recess of the House
1. The annual session of the House shall begin on Monday of the final week of Meskerem and end on the 30th day of the month of Sene. The House shall go for recess in the month of Yekatit as well as from Hamle (1) up to the last Sunday of Meskerem each year.
2. The regular sitting of the House shall be held on Tuesday and Thursday.
3. Unless decided otherwise the working hours for regular and special sitting are as follows:
(a) From 9:00 am to 12:00 am
(b) From 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm
4. Extraordinary and special sitting may be conducted at any time fixed by the Speaker.
5. The time of recess of the House stated in Sub-Article (1) above shall be observed unless there is a convincing reason due to the occurrence of force majeure.

Article 25: Working Language of the House

1. The working language of the House is Amharic, Every sitting shall be conducted in Amharic.
2. When members express their opinions, they may use the translation service prepared for them by the house and may speak in a language in which they can express their ideas effectively. Where necessary they may bring their own interpreters.
3. Where a member expresses his opinion through an interpreter as provided under Sub-Article (2) above, any member who claims that a fundamental error has been committed due to misinterpretation, may present his idea for correcting the error.

Article 26: Keeping of Minutes

1. Minutes shall be recorded and kept for every meeting of the House.
2. According to the circumstances the minutes may be kept in writing, film or audio recording as may be necessary.
3. The minutes of the House kept by what ever means shall be put in writing in the Amharic language and shall be approved.
4. Where members claim that the minutes held are not accurate and present their ideas of correcting the error, the minutes shall be compared with the recorded minutes and shall be corrected where necessary.
5. Every minute of the House shall be kept by applying a modern documentation system so that it is easily accessible for use.
6. The provision of this Article shall be adopted and applied for committee meetings in a compatible manner.

Article 27: A Guest Invited to Attend a Sitting

1. Any invited guest may attend a sitting.
2. Any invited guest shall respect the prestige and dignity of the House and keep order.
3. In case where an invited guest fails to respect the prestige and dignity of the House and keep order, he shall be required by the protocol of the House to rectify his fault. Where necessary Article 30(8) of this Regulation shall be applied.

Article 28: Support Staff Members

1. Support staff members that are in duty during sitting of the House shall perform their duties in a manner that does not disturb the sitting.
2. Any support staff member shall respect the prestige and dignity of the House and maintain order.
3. If a support staff member commits a serious fault during a meeting, the Speaker may, in addition to the measure laid down under Article 30(8) of this Regulation, order the secretariat to consider the matter as a disciplinary case and take any necessary legal measure.
Article 29: Debate Discipline and Conduct of Members

1. The right of every member to freely express his opinion in the meetings of the House shall be respected in accordance with Article 54(5) of the Constitution.
2. Without prejudice to Sub-Article (1) above and other provisions of this Regulation, every member of the House shall exercise the following good manners:
a) His speech shall be relevant to the agenda under debate; it shall be precise, clear and limited to the time allowed; it shall not be characterized by repetitions.
b) He may not raise a case pending in courts at the meeting of the House.
c) He shall make a speech based on good faith or truth.
d) He shall not make speech that disturbs the peace and security of the Country and its peoples.
e) His speech shall respect the prestige and dignity of the House, its members, other persons and institutions.
f) His speech shall be based on the principle of expressing ideas, supporting or opposing an opinion and respecting the rights of other members.
g) A member who is in the course of expressing his opinion may not be interrupted by murmuring, shouting, clapping, whistling or any other misbehaviour.
h) No member shall read any writing not related to the agenda during a meeting.
i) It is prohibited to smoke cigarettes in the meeting hall.
j) No member shall go out from a meeting immediately after giving his opinion.
k) It is prohibited to distribute any document which is not related to parliamentary activities within the premises of the House.
l) It is prohibited to tear a document during a meeting in order to express opposition.
m) It is prohibited to talk and make noise in the corridors of the House in a manner that disturbs a meeting.
n) It is prohibited to call or wink at a guest in the gallery and give an opinion.
o) It is prohibited to go out from a meeting while the Speaker is making a speech as well as when voting counting is taking place.
p) No member shall bring in or show different banners, insignials or other symbols or shout slogans.
q) No member may go in person and talk to the Speaker while he is presiding over a meeting.

3. Any member who wishes to make a speech shall follow the following Procedures:

a) Every member shall begin his speech by saying “thank you Honourable Speaker.”
b) He shall use the term “Honourable” when referring to another member, and the terms “Her/His Excellency,” as the case may be, to a high government official.
c) Any member who wishes to speak on behalf of his party (parliamentary group) his name must be submitted to the Speaker by the party whip.
d) Any member who wishes to express his opinion or has a question of procedure, may not make any noise or unnecessary bodily movements, gesture or behavior, except to raise his hand in such a way that the Speaker, can recognize him.
e) Where a member begins to speak with out being given the chance, as though he has permission so to do, the Speaker shall stop him and give the chance to the member recognized to speak.
f) Where any member is making a speech, and the Speaker interrupts him, he shall stop speaking and comply with any instructions given by the Speaker.
g) Any member who has presented a proposal to the House for debate, may withdraw his proposal at any time before a decision is given on it; the debate on the matter, shall be terminated as soon as he has withdrawn his proposal.
h) Except by prior permission of the Speaker, delivering a written speech is prohibited. However, one may use short notes while making a speech.
4. Any question of procedure that may be raised by a member in accordance with Sub-Article 3(d) above:
(a) may not ask for information,
(b) may not explain his position,
(c) may not be based on a speculation.

5. No debate is allowed on a question of procedure presented under Sub-Article (4) above. However, the Speaker may ask for an explanation where he deems it necessary.

Article 30: Maintaining Order and Code of Conduct of Business

1. The Speaker shall have the authority necessary to maintain order and enforce decision.
2. Where the provisions of procedure and Code of Conduct are contravened:
(a) The Speaker may interrupt a speech and give any corrective instruction by referring to the member by name.
(b) The member who was speaking may continue his speech after receiving the instruction and asking apology.
(c) Any member who does not respect the corrective instruction shall be expelled from the meeting on the order of the Speaker.
(d) Where the Speaker considers that a member has shown a misbehavior, he may dismiss him from the meeting. The member, whose dismissal has been ordered, shall immediately leave the meeting.
(e) The member who fails to comply with the order given under “c” or “d” may be forced to go out by the Sergeant at Arms of the House upon the order of the Speaker.
(f) A member who has been expelled pursuant to ‘c’ or ‘d’ above, may be suspended by the Speaker upto two sitting according to the circumstances.
(g) Any member who has been forced out of the meeting pursuant to ‘e’ above, may be suspended by the Speaker for up to 5 successive sitting and from the activities of the House. He shall not be paid salary for this period.
3. Where the fault is serious or is committed repeatedly, the House shall, on the motion by the Speaker, discuss the matter and, as the case may be, give its decision or order the Legal Administrative Affairs Standing Committee to conduct investigation and submit the result to it. Then it shall pass a decision in accordance with Article 133(7) of this Regulation.
4. The House may withdraw the decision passed under Sub-Article (3) at any time on the motion moved by any member.
5. The Speaker may discontinue the sitting where he considers that the disorder created is likely to seriously affect the process of the meeting in general, or lead to fighting among the members, or where breach of peace occurs or is likely to occur. The speaker may order the sergeant- at-arms of the House to intervene and avert the problem where necessary.
6. Where the conditions allow, the speaker may decide the meeting to resume on the same day at any time of his choice or postpone it to another day. At the resumption of the meeting, the House shall discuss the matter and pass a decision on it.
7. The provisions of Sub-Articles (2) and (3) shall be applied on members, who have participated in the crime as co-offenders or accomplices, or who have obstructed the implementation of the order of the speaker.
8. Where contravention of order or breach of Code of Conduct is committed by an invited guest or support staff member during the course of a meeting of the House, the speaker may give corrective instructions or take any other necessary measures.

CHAPTER SIX
The Drawing of an Agenda and
Allotment of Time

Article 31: Initiating an Agenda

The business to be debates may be initiated by:-
1) The Executive,
2) The Speaker,
3) The Committees,
4) Members, and
5) Parliamentary groups.

Article 32: The Setting of Business

1. Any business to be debates by the House shall be drawn by the House’s Business Advisory Committee.
2. The agenda to be drawn in accordance with Sub- Article (1) above shall be submitted to the advisory committee as follows:
(a) In the case of an agenda to be initiated under Article 31 Sub-Articles (1) and (5) it shall be submitted by the whips concerned.
(b) In the case of an agenda to be initiated under Article 31 Sub Articles (2), (3) and (4) it shall be submitted by the Speaker.

3. The advisory committee shall decide the agenda to be submitted for debate by consensus. An agenda passed by consensus shall be directly submitted for debate of the House without the need of approval.
4. An agenda that has not been decided upon by consensus in accordance with sub-article 3 above, shall be presented to the House by the Speaker; if it is supported by one-third of the members, it shall be approved as an agenda.
5. In all cases a government agenda shall be given priority and submitted for debate.
6. The agenda of the day and the time allocated to it shall be notified to the members by the speaker 48 hours prior to the meeting of the House.
7. Unless the House sets a different direction, an agenda rejected by it may not be presented again in the same year.

Article 33: Moving a Motion to Include an Item not included on the Business of the Day

1. An urgent matter not drawn in the agenda of the day shall be debated by the House, where it has obtained the consent of the Speaker and is of public importance, and where it is presented by members and parliamentary groups.
2. Any motion that has not obtained the Speaker’s consent under Sub-Article (1) above shall not be presented to the House; the speaker is not obliged to give reason for not accepting the motion.
3. The motion referred to in Sub-Article (1) above shall be submitted to the Speaker 10 hours before the day of sitting; and copies of the motion shall be made to the following bodies:
(a) The Secretariat of the House,
(b) The Secretariat of the Government Chief Whip, and
(c) The Ministry concerned.

4 The Speaker shall decide which of the similar motions accepted in accordance with this Article, shall be given precedence and submitted to the House.
5. With out prejudice to the provision of Article 44 of this Regulation, any motion to be moved in accordance with this Article shall satisfy the following:
a) Any member may not move more than one motion at a time.
b) Only one motion may be presented at a sitting.
c) The debate on the motion moved shall be confined to a single issue.
d) The motion to be presented shall relate to a current issue, which falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
e) It may not address a question relating to a privilege.
f) It may not be based on speculation regarding matters adjourned for consideration or in process.
6. A member who gets permission to present a motion in accordance with this Article, shall be made to request the consent of the House to present the motion through the Speaker.
7. Where the Speaker finds the substance of a motion to be unclear, before consenting to or refusing the motion, he shall present the motion to the House by way of reading it, and after requiring the Ministry concerned and or a presenting member to give explanation may decide on the matter. If he accepts the motion, he may give permission for its presentation in accordance with Sub-Article (6) above.
8. Where any motion, which has obtained the consent of the Speaker in accordance with sub-articles (6) or (7) above, is supported by 50 members, it shall be presented for discussion
9. The time needed to debate the motion shall be fixed by the Speaker.

Article 34: Allotment of Time

1. Without prejudice to other provisions of this Rules, the time needed for deliberating each agenda shall be allotted with the agreement of the Business Advisory Committee of the House.
2. In cases where no agreement has been reached regarding time allotment in accordance with Sub-Article (1) above, a decision shall be given by the House after all possible alternatives have been presented to it by the Speaker, and after the bodies who have different opinions have given their views.
3. In deciding time allocation the following conditions shall be taken into account :

a) For any draft law, the time allocation for each stage of reading shall be determined according to the circumstances.
b) In respect of any report or recommendation submitted to the House by any organ, time shall be allocated for presentation and debate according to the circumstances.
c) No time limit shall be fixed for the annual opening address of the President and the report by the Prime Minister. However, time shall be allocated for debating the matters presented.
d) Sufficient time shall be allotted for debating the annual draft budget of the federal government.
e) Time shall be allotted according to the circumstances for any other matter to be submitted to the House.

4. As regards the issues that may be raised by parliamentary groups, time shall be allotted from the total time fixed for the agenda under consideration on the basis of the number of their seats in the House.
5. In order to enable private members to express their views, time for speaking shall be allotted according to the circumstances from the total time allocated for the agenda.
6. In respect of issues and opinions that may be presented regarding the agenda, the time required by the bodies concerned to respond or to comment, shall be allocated from the total time fixed for the agenda.

Article 35: Opposition Day

1. The House shall hold debate for an hour every month on an agenda presented by opposition parties. Such a day shall be known as opposition day.

2. An agenda to be debated on opposition day shall be one supported by the majority representatives of opposition parties (parliamentary-groups) who are members of the House’s Business Advisory Committee. However each opposition party (parliamentary-group) shall have the chance of presenting an agenda at least once a year.

3. In case where an opposition day is not observed due to an urgent agenda, it shall be compensated not later than the subsequent month.

Article 36: Time Allotted for Speech

1. The detailed implementation of the usage of time allotted under Article 34 above shall be managed by the Speaker.
2. Party or parliamentary-group leaders or party-whips or representatives shall be given priority to present their opinions on behalf of their respective parties. Private members of the House may be given the chance to present their opinions.
3. In accordance with Article 34 (4) the usage of time allocated to a party shall be determined by the party (parliamentary-group).
4. The Speaker shall, in accordance with the provision of Article 34(5) above, give the chance to private members to raise questions and express their opinions.
5. Any member whose speech has been interrupted without his fault, shall be compensated for the time lost by the Speaker. (The Speaker shall compensated time)
6. No time limit shall be imposed on explanations given by the Speaker or on testimonies or explanations by any body or individual to the House.
7. No member shall have more than one chance of speaking on the same subject. However, where a member wishes to correct or rectify his view with out adding a new idea, the Speaker may give him a second chance.
8. The Speaker is expected to stop a speech when he is aware that the time allocated has expired. However, the Speaker may allow additional time where he deems it necessary.

CHAPTER SEVEN
Motion

Article 37: Definition

1. Motion shall mean any proposal submitted presented to the House by the government, members or a parliamentary group either merely to discuss or decide up on a given matter.
2. The motion referred to under Sub-Article (1) above may or may not be subject to a debate.

Article 38: Types of Motion

A motion which moves that the House decide or give opinion after debate may be:
1 Substantive motion,
2 Formal motion,
3 Amendment motion,
4 Sub amendment motion.

Article 39: Moving a Motion

Unless otherwise provided for in this Regulation :
1. Any motion may be moved where, according to the circumstance, it is drawn in an agenda by the House’s Business Advisory Committee. or is approved by the speaker.
2. Any motion shall, according to the circumstances, be moved orally or in writing.
3. Any notices of motion shall:
a) Include the substance of the motion, and
b) Clearly state whether or not the House is expected to give a decision on the motion.
4. The following types of motion may be presented to the House with out the need of notice:
a) Amendment motion,
b) Sub amendment motion,
c) A motion relating to question of procedure,
d) A motion asking for a case drawn up in a daily agenda to be adjourned to another day or for the order of priority held in the agenda to be respected or for a matter drawn up in the agenda to be given precedence,
e) A motion moving for a decision on a report presented by a committee after debate,
f) A motion moving that a draft law be directly transferred for a second reading without being referred to a committee,
g) A motion moving that the House stop debate and give decision upon an agenda because sufficient debate has been conducted on it,
h) A motion moving for an adjournment of the decision of an agenda for another day after debate has been conducted.

5. A member may not move more than one motion at time.
6. Where a motion that contravene the Regulation or practice of the House, the House’s Business Advisory Committee or the speaker may amend or ask the member to amend the motion.
7. The debate on the motion moved shall be confined to a single matter.

Article 40: Substantive Motion

Substantive motion means a motion that stands by itself and is not based on any other motion or item drawn up in an agenda

Article 41: Amendment Motion

1. An amendment motion may be moved on a substantive motion approved by the speaker.
2. At the conclusion of the debate, the body that initiated the motion shall be asked to give response.
3. The House shall give its opinion or decision on the substantive and amendment motions.
4. An amendment motion may move:
a) certain words to be excluded, or
b) certain words to be replaced by other once, or
c) certain words to be included in the motion.
5. Any amendment motion:
a) shall be related to the agenda presented,
b) may not ask the inclusion of new matter,
c) may not expand the scope of substantive motion presented,
d) it shall help to clarify the motion moved.

Article 42: Sub Amendment Motion

1. A sub amendment motion may be moved regarding an amendment motion approved by the speaker.
2. Sub amendment motion shall be conducted by the following procedure:
a) It shall be directly related to the amendment motion in question.
b) It shall be confined to the amendment motion and may not affect the substantive motion.
c) It shall not expand the scope of the amendment motion or include a new and different idea.
d) It shall not totally cancel or reject the amendment motion.
e) The debate on the sub amendment motion shall concentrate only on the matter to be amended.
f) No other amendment may be allowed on a sub amendment motion.

Article 43: Additional procedures for Amendment Motions and Sub-Amendment Motions

1. Any motion law and practice shall be applicable to amendment and sub-amendment motions submitted to the House.
2. Any amendment motion or sub-amendment motion relating to any matter requiring amendment shall be presented to the Speaker in writing.
3. The debate on the substantive motion shall terminate when an amendment motion is moved; the debate on the amendment shall also be interrupted when sub amendment motion is moved. After debating and deciding upon the amendment or sub-amendment motions respectively, the debate on the substantive motion shall resume.
4. unless otherwise provided under this more than one amendment or sub-amendment motion may not be introduced. However, after the conclusion of the debate on the amendment, another amendment or sub amendment may be introduced.

Article 44: Criteria for a Motion

Unless otherwise provided under this Regulation, any motion:
1. shall concern a matter falling under the jurisdiction of the federal government;
2. shall contain only one basic element;
3. shall be clear and precise;
4. shall not contain statements, references or other items which are un necessary for the proposition presented;
5. may not predict what decision may be given by the House;
6. may not concern a matter which is similar by nature to another matter accepted or rejected by the House in the same working year;
7. may not contain irrelevant or unnecessary statements;
8. may not relate to a matter pending in a court;
9. may not relate to a matter under consideration in accordance with the law before a judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal or before an administrative body established to carry out such investigation.

CHAPTER EIGHT
Decision Making

Article 45: Passing a Decision

1. Every agenda shall be decided upon in accordance with Article 23(7) and (8).
2. Any member who considers that sufficient discussion on an agenda has been conducted, may move a motion that the discussion be terminated and a decision be given. Where such a motion has been approved by the speaker, a decision shall be passed on it.
3. Every decision shall be passed by a majority vote in accordance with Article 59(1) of the constitution.
4. Notwithstanding the provision of Sub-Article (3) above, (two third) majority vote shall be required for the following cases:

a) in respect of making a proposal for the amending of the Constitution in accordance with Article 104 of the Constitution,
b) to approve the state of emergency declared by the government and or to extend the duration of the state of emergency in accordance with Article 93(2) (a) and (3) of the Constitution,
c) the provisions relating to amend the to all fundamental rights and freedoms in accordance with Article 105(1)(b) of the Constitution, and
d) to establish nation wide or in parts of the Country, the Federal high court and First instance courts in accordance with Article 78(2) of the Constitution.

5. Voting and counting of votes shall be conducted as follows:
a) voting shall take place either by raising the hands or by secret ballot as may be necessary.
b) counting shall be done by a support-staff member of the secretariat assigned by the speaker.
c) when the votes are equally divided during decision making, the side supported by the speaker shall be the decision of the House.
d) where the House wishes to pass a decision by consensus, the speaker shall ask if there is an opposition to the idea and if no opposition is made it shall be presumed that there is tacit consent of the House. However, if an opposition is made, voting shall take place in accordance with (a) above.
e) where the matter under consideration has to be decided upon clause by clause, decision shall be approved by the vote of the House as a whole.

6. Matters debates and decided upon by the House shall be registered after being dated and given serial numbers.
8. The above provision shall be applicable to committees according to the circumstances.

Article 46: How Ideas Necessary for a Decision are Obtained

The House may apply the following strategies to get ideas for its decisions:
1. By requiring the body concerned to present any evidence that can be read, heard and seen.
2. By referring the matters to the various committees to study and present reports on such matters.
3. Where the House decides committees to work jointly, it shall indicate which one of the committees may coordinate and play the leading role.
4. The provisions of this article shall apply to committees in a compatible manner.

Article 47: Postponing a Decision to Another Day

The grounds for postponing of a decision on an agenda under consideration are the following:

1. When a motion that further debate is needed is moved and the House so decides;
2. When a motion stating that the necessary quorum is not satisfied proves to be true;
3. Where the situation mentioned under Article 30(5) occurs;
4. Where a motion stating that evidence asked for the purpose of making the decision has not been presented, is accepted by the House;
5. Where the House decides to terminate the debate, because of procedural questions raised during discussion.
6. Where an urgent agenda deserving priority occurs before debate of the agenda under consideration is over.
7. Where the speaker considers that an unforeseen serious accident has been caused to members or invited guests while the debate is in process.
8. The provisions of this Article shall apply to committees in a compatible manner.

Article 48: Reconsidering a Matter which has been Decided upon

1. A matter which has been decided upon may not be presented for reconsideration.
2. Notwithstanding the provision of Sub-Article (1) above, a matter may be reconsidered under the following conditions:
a) where a discrepancy or unfulfilled requirement at the time of decision has been rectified or satisfied;
b) where it is discovered or realized that a fundamental error in law or fact has been committed in the previous decision;
c) where the government requests for reconsideration by explaining its reasons for the request.
3. A case that is to be reconsidered on the basis of the above grounds, shall be submitted to the House in accordance with Article 32 of this Regulation.
4. The above provisions shall apply to committees in a compatible manner.

CHAPTER NINE
Enactment of Laws

Article 49: Matters Included in the Process of Enactment of Laws

Enactment of laws shall include the following:
1. legislating new laws,
2. amending or repealing existing laws,
3. ratifying international agreements,
4. passing Resolution.

Article 50: Initiating Laws

1. Initiating laws shall be mainly the duty of the government.
2. Notwithstanding the provision of Sub-Article (1) above:
a) members of the House,
b) committees,
c) parliament-Groups,
d) other bodies authorized by law,
have the power to initiate laws.

3. Notwithstanding the provision of Sub-Article (2) above, the power of initiating finance draft laws is vested in the government only.
4. A draft law initiated in accordance with Sub-Article (2) (a) above shall be presented to the Speaker in writing signed by the members.
5. A draft law initiated in accordance with Sub Article (2) (b) above, shall be signed by the committee chairperson.
6. A draft law initiated in accordance with Sub Article (2) (d) above, shall be presented to the Speaker in writing signed by the head of the institution.
7. A draft law initiated in accordance with Sub Article (2) (c) above, shall be presented to the Speaker in writing signed by the leader or by the party whip.
8. A draft law to be initiated by any body shall satisfy the following:
a) the importance of the draft law,
b) detailed contents of the draft law,
c) a document explaining the impact which the draft law will have on the government budget if it becomes law,
d) Amharic and English copies of the draft law shall be presented.
9. Any draft law shall be handled in accordance with the procedure of drawing an agenda laid down under Article 32 of this Regulation.

Article 51: Readings of the House

A draft law shall pass through the following stages of reading:
1. first reading,
2. second reading,
3. third reading.

Article 52: First Reading

The first stage of reading shall be conducted as follows:

1. The body that initiated the draft law presented in the agenda shall fist give a brief explanation as to the content and purpose of the draft law.
2. A general debate shall be held on the content and purpose of the draft law.
3. Where, due to its urgency, copies of the draft law have not been distributed to the members 48 hours before the session, the draft shall be presented to the House by reading it.
4. Where the speaker is of the opinion that sufficient debate has been conducted or a motion moved is approved to that effect, the draft law may be referred to a committee.
5. The draft law shall be given a number and referred to the committee (committees) concerned. Where it is decided that the matter be considered jointly, it shall be indicated which committee shall play the leading and coordinating role.
6. Notwithstanding the provision of sub article (4) above, where a motion, asking the House to pass to the second reading without referring the matter to a committee (committees), gets approval, the House may directly pass to the second reading and after deliberation, give the necessary decision.

Article 53: Second Reading

The second stage of reading shall be conducted as follows:
1. The daft law shall be deliberated upon in detail.
2. Notwithstanding the provision of Article 52(6) above, the report and recommendation on the draft law prepared by the committee or committees concerned shall be caused to be present to the House.
3. The draft law shall be deliberated upon in detail on the basis of the report and recommendation.
4. An amendment motion may, in accordance with this Regulation, be introduced on the draft law, report or recommendation presented.
5. If the House is of the opinion that sufficient deliberation on the draft law has been conducted, it shall be decided by voting.
6. Where the amendment motion submitted under Sub-Article (4) above receives approval, and where the House considers further investigation is required, the draft law may be referred back to the committee or (committees) for reconsideration.

Article 54: Third Reading

The third stage of reading shall be conducted as follows:
1. The committee (committees) to which the draft law has been referred back for reconsideration in accordance with Article 53 (6) above, shall submit to the House its final report and recommendation.
2. After conducting sufficient deliberation on the report and recommendation mentioned under Sub-Article (1) above, the House shall pass its decision.

Article 55: Voting

The House shall approve the draft law article by article; at the end it shall vote upon the draft law as a whole to pass it as a law.

Article 56: Time for Considering a Draft Law

1. Unless, the House believes in the urgency of the matter, a committee to which a draft law has been referred to shall be allowed at least 20 working days for considering and presenting its recommendation.
2. Notwithstanding the provision of Sub-Article (1) above, the Speaker, taking into consideration the extent and complexity of the draft law, may allow the committee additional time.

Article 57: Sending an Approved Law to the President for Signature

1. The Speaker shall send the law deliberated upon and adopted by the House to the President for his signature in accordance with Article 57 of the Constitution.
2. The President shall sign the law submitted to him within 15 days and send it back to the Speaker. If the President does not sign the law within this time limit, it shall take effect without his signature.
3. Prior to the publication of the law in the Federal Negarit Gazeta, necessary technical corrections may be made through the Speaker.

Article 58: Publication of Law

1. A law approved by the House shall be published in the Negarit Gezeta through the Speaker.
2. The House shall have its own printing press for publication of laws; otherwise, it shall cause publication to be carried out by another institution.
3. Where the publication of a law is urgent and deserves priority, the Speaker shall give instruction to the publishing institution concerned.
4. In accordance with the decision of the House, the law shall be prepared in Amharic and English copies and sent for publication.
5. The Secretariat shall follow up the translation and publication of laws.

Article 59: Distribution

1. Laws enacted by the competent bodies shall be distributed by the executive body concerned.
2. It shall supervise and follow up the proper distribution of laws passed by the House.
3. The competent Standing Committee shall oversee and follow up the implementation of the tasks provided for under Sub-Article (1) above.

Article 60: Keeping a Record Laws

The House shall keep a record of the laws enacted every year, and shall notify the bodies concerned thereof.

CHAPTER TEN
The Process of Budget Approval

Article 61: Presenter

In accordance with Article 77 (3), the Council of Ministers shall prepare a draft budget of the Federal Government and present it to the House.

Article 62: Manner of Presentation

Except where there is force majeure, the draft budget shall be prepared and presented to the House in general and in detailed form one month prior to the commencement of the fiscal year.

Article 63: Time for Deliberation

The time fixed for deliberation on the draft budget shall not be less than two days.

Article 64: Budget Speech

After the submission of the draft budget to the House, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development shall appear before the House and make a budget speech regarding the draft budget on a day and time to be fixed by the speaker; then deliberation shall be conducted on the principle and the draft law in general.

Article 65: Consideration of the Draft Budget

After the deliberation on the budget speech, the draft budget shall be referred to the Finance and Budget Standing Committee.

Article 66: Allocation of Deliberation Time

The Speaker shall, in consultation with the parliamentary Affairs Advisory Committee, allocate sufficient time to deliberate in detail and vote upon the draft budget submitted.

Article 67: Making a Motion to Cut the Budget

During the deliberation time mentioned above, any member or a Parliamentary group may move a motion to cut the budget.

Article 68: The Manner of Moving a Motion to Cut the Budget

A motion to cut the budget may be moved in the following manner:

1. If a motion to cut the budget is moved on the ground of opposing a certain policy (policy cut), the mover shall explain the policy he opposes, and present an alternative policy in writing.
2. Where the motion relates to an economic cut, the motion must show the impact which the cut would have on the economy. The motion may relate to the cut of a lump sum, the discarding of an item of budget or the cutting of the budget allocated to a certain budget item.

Article 69: The Criteria for Cut Motion

A cut motion moved to reduce the draft budget shall satisfy the following:
1. It shall relate to a single budget need only.
2. It shall be clearly set out, not controversial; containing the truth, not defamatory; free from emotion and the like.
3. It shall be precise and focusing on a specific matter.
4. It may not focus on an individual’s character.
5. It may not be directed at amending or repealing existing laws.
6. It shall directly relate to the government.
7. It may not be concerned with a case pending in a court.
8. It may not be concerned with a question relating to a privilege.
9. It may not be aimed at raising a matter deliberated and decided upon previously in the same year.
10. It may not concern a case being considered by a judicial or quasi-judicial tribunals or investigated by other bodies established by law.
11. It may not relate to minor matters.

Article 70: The Conditions for Not Accepting a Cut Motion

The Speaker may bar the cut motion where the discovers that The motion does not comply with the provisions above, obstructs the operation of the House or is aimed at misusing the right of moving a motion.

Article 71: Time for Notifying a Cut Motion.

A cut motion shall be presented in writing to the Speaker one day prior to the conducting of deliberation on the draft budget.

Article 72: Approval of a Draft Budget

As soon as the deliberation on the details of the draft budget and cut motions moved is concluded, voting shall take place after deliberation is conducted on the basis of the report and recommendation submitted by the Finance and Budget Standing Committee.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
Follow up and Supervision

Article 73: Objectives of Follow up and Supervision

The Objective is to ensure the proper usage of the resources and property of the government, the performance of tasks in accordance with law and order, the existence of fair and rapid development directions, the prevalence of democracy and good governance, respect for citizens’ rights and the maintenance of peace and security as well as the existence of coordinated working process among government bodies.

Article 74: Matters and Bodies to be Supervised and Followed-up

1. The House shall conduct supervision and follow up around the matters specified below:
a) The implementation and the direction of the national polices, strategies, plans, laws and operations towards advancing the Country’s development,
b) The observance of the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, and
c) The proper implementation of the budget and resources of the federal government.
2. The House shall exercise supervision and follow up over the bodies mentioned below:
a) Federal Government organs,
b) A regional state which is unable to stop and control violations of human rights in accordance with Article 55 (16) of the Constitution.

Article 75: Mechanism of Supervision and Follow-up

Pursuant to the powers granted to it under the Constitution, the House shall have the following mechanisms of supervision and follow-up.

1. It shall cause government organs to submit a report in person directly to it or the committee concerned at least once a year.
2. It shall cause the Prime Minster and Ministers to appear in person before it at question time allocated to them and give oral answers.
3. Where necessary, the House may order government organs to be audited.
4. The House may, where necessary, cause institutions, witnesses, and experts to appear before it as well as documents to be submitted to if to conduct investigation.
5. The House shall conduct supervision and follow up on the basis of reports and information submitted to it by government organs, committees, the public and non-governmental organs.
6. In relation to problems it realized during the process of conducting follow up and supervision of government bodies, the House may take the following remedial measures:
a) Where the problem emanates from the law it shall provide legal support or complement the loophole in the law through legislation.
b) It shall take corrective measures where problems of governmental bodies are related to the budget and where it is ascertained so to be by the competent body.
c) It shall cause a given governmental office to recognize its problem and give it directives to correct its weakness.
d) Where the problem is not rectified and where it is serious, it shall cause a measure to be taken through the Prime Minster on the body responsible for the problem, and shall follow up the implementation of the measure taken.
e) Where the problem is created by institutions directly accountable to the House, it shall take the necessary measure in accordance with the law.
7. The House may not intervene in the day-to-day operations of government bodies, in the course of performing its follow up and supervision.
8. In the process of conducting its follow up and supervision, the House shall respect the independence of institutions empowered by the Constitution or other laws to carry out their functions independently.

Article 76: Reports to be Directly Submitted to the House

1. Where it deems it necessary in accordance with Article 55 (17) of the Constitution, the House shall call upon Federal Government officials and investigate the performance of the executive body.
2. In accordance with Article 12 of this Regulation, the House shall hear and approve the annual plan of the federal government.
3. The Prime Minster of the Ethiopian Federal Democratic Republic shall, according to a schedule made for him, present reports regarding the general operation of the government to the House twice a year; However the Prime Minster may submit a report to the House at any time he deems it necessary.
4. The House may order any government body to submit a report to it directly.
5. A report shall directly be submitted to the House:
a) where the government body finds it necessary to give an explanation to the House of an urgent and current affairs;
b) where a serious problem is realized on the reporting of a government body to a Standing Committee, or with respect to the process of follow up and supervision of the committee;
c) where pressing questions are repeatedly raised against the government body;
d) where questions are repeatedly raised against the government body by members of the House;
e) where government bodies are required by law to report to the House directly.

Article 77: Manner of Reporting

1. The head of the government body concerned, shall present a report to the House; he may, however, bring his colleagues along to assist him.
2. Notwithstanding the provision of Sub-Article (1) above, where the head of the government body is unable due to force majeure, he may cause his deputy or representative to present the report.
3. In such a case, the head shall notify the speaker before applying the provision of Sub-Article (2 )above.
4. Where the Speaker finds that the request submitted under sub-article (3) above is convincing, he shall allow the presentation of the report in accordance with Sub Article (2) above.

Article 78: Calling Procedure of Report Presenters

1. The Speaker shall notify in writing to the government bodies referred to in Articles 76 and 77 above to submit their reports.
2. The Speaker shall notify the time and place for presenting the reports at least one month before the day fixed.
3. The time may be changed where the body concerned gives a convincing reason to the Speaker, showing that the day fixed for the report is not suitable.
4. The government body presenting a report, shall notify the House of the list of colleagues that shall be present in accordance with Article 77 (1) above one day before the day of reporting.

Article 79: Content and Submission Time of Reports

1. Where the report relates to regular work operation, it shall be submitted in writing signed by the head and shall include:

a) annual work plan and activities performed,
b) budget implementation,
c) management of manpower,
d) results achieved,
e) major problems encountered and measures taken to solve the problems,
f) matters to be focused at and the like.

2. Where the report is concerned with a specific matter for which the House ordered the submission of the report, it shall be prepared and submitted in a manner as to cover the matter as a whole.
3. The reports referred to under Sub-Articles (1) and (2) above shall be submitted to the Speaker at least 10 days before they are to be presented to the House; the Speaker shall immediately pass the reports to the committee concerned.

Article 80: Program for Report Hearing by the House

1. The House is expected to prepare beforehand a programme for hearing the reports.
2. The programme to be prepared shall be such as to enable the House to discharge its responsibilities and achieve results.

Article 81: Protocol and Code of Conduct of Report Presenters

1. Any report presenter shall have a protocol and Code of Conduct which is compatible with the prestige and dignity of the House.
2. Without prejudice to Article 27 of this Regulation, any report presenter shall be guided by the following procedure and Code of Conduct:

a) After entering the compound of the House through the gate designated for his entrance, he shall take his place through the protocol.
b) His attire shall be compatible with the prestige and dignity of the House.
c) No objects may be carried other than documents or objects necessary for the presentation of the report.
d) Smoking cigarettes and other unnecessary activities may not take place in the meeting hall of the House.

3. The protocol department of the House shall perform the following duties:

a) to make the necessary preparation and welcome any report presenter properly.
b) to notify the Speaker the arrival of the report presenter and implement any order given.
c) to accompany the report presenter to the meeting hall at the time of the meeting and help him take his seat,
d) to accompany out the report presenter after the delivery of the report.

Article 82: Report Deliberation Procedure

1. The chairperson of the committee concerned shall, at the invitation of the Speaker, introduce the presenter and invite him to submit his report to the House.
2. The report presenter may present his report orally or by reading as may be convenient for him.
3. After the report is heard, questions and comments prepared by the committee concerned shall be made to be presented.
4. After answers have been given to questions and comments made by the committee, parliamentary groups and members shall be made to present questions and comments.
5. The Speaker shall cause the members to present a summary on the report.
6. Where the House is in doubt about the report, or considers that it is not sufficiently reported or has discovered that it has a fundamental problem, it may order the committee concerned to conduct an investigation and report to it or shall, without the need of investigation, take the necessary measure pursuant to Article 75 of this Regulation.

Article 83: Report Submitted by a Committee to the House

1. Each committee may, where necessary, present to the House reports regarding its work operation.
2. A committee report may include:
a) matter that should be known or decided upon by the House or
b) the implementation of its plan and
c) problems encountered and measures taken to solve them.
3. The report of a committee shall be presented by its chairperson.

Article 84: Examination of Evidence

1. The House may, where necessary, hear the testimony of any witness or examine any document.
2. The House’s procedure of summoning and hearing of a witness shall be as follows:

a) The House may hear a witness or examine a document itself or through a committee, as may be necessary.
b) A person required for testimony shall be summoned by a letter informing him about the matter, time and place of his testimony.
c) The manner of giving evidence may, according to the circumstances, be supported by a written statement or by answering orally for each question asked one after the other.
d) Where the witness is aware of an important fact of which he was not asked during the hearing, he may disclose it with the consent of the House.

3. Where the House wants any document in relation to a case under consideration, it may order the body or individual concerned in the following manner:

a) It shall require through a written order the document to be presented when it is needed.
b) It shall cause the presentation of the original or the copy of a document required, as the case may be.

4. The document presented shall, after examination, be duly returned to the body or individual concerned.
5. Where the House orders for the presentation of a document from a body or an individual, or where it requires a person to appear and give testimony, it shall respect the restrictions and freedoms provided for under the Constitution and other laws.
6. An individual giving testimony or presenting a document shall take the following oath:

“I------------- affirm that the testimony I am giving or the document I am presenting to the House (committee) is correct and there is nothing that I have concealed from the House.”

7. The taking of oath mentioned under Sub-Article (6) shall be conducted by the body concerned.

Article 85: Order for Auditing Given by the House

1. Where the House is of opinion that any body as misused the budget allocated to it or is aware that there is grave misappropriation and wastage of budget, it may order auditing to be conducted.
2. The order for auditing given by the House shall be executed by the federal auditor-general or a body delegated by him.
3. The order for auditing mentioned under Sub-Article (1), shall be given by the Speaker and specify:
a) the body to be audited,
b) the subject matter to be audited and
c) the time at which the audit report to be submitted.

4. The House shall, after hearing the audit report, take the necessary stags specified under Article 75 of this Regulation, as the case may be.

Article 86: Receiving Information

1. The House may receive information regarding the following matters:

a) in respect of a harm caused or likely to be caused against government or public resources or interests,
b) where a situation that endangers the Constitution is created or likely to be created,
c) where a situation that obstructs the policy and strategy of the government occurs,
d) where conflict breaks out among peoples or where a condition that may give rise to a conflict is encountered,
e) where human rights are violated,
f) where a serious natural or man-made disaster occurs.

2. Any information given shall be supported by valid evidence.
3. The information shall be in writing signed by the informer and shall contain his full name and address.
4. Any information not presented in accordance with sub-article above shall not be acceptable.
5. Information duly presented shall be examined and given the necessary decision; the informer may be notified of such decision.
6. The House shall keep the names of the informers confidential.

Article 87: Question Time

1. Unless the Speaker decides otherwise, the House shall have a question hour on Thursday every week on which ministers may be questioned and give oral answers.
2. From the question time mentioned under Sub-Article (1), the Prime Minister shall have an hour or question time every month on which he shall give oral answers.
3. Notwithstanding the provision of Sub-Article (2), the Prime Minister shall not have a question hour within the month in which he presents a report.

Article 88: Procedure of Presenting Questions

1. Any member who wishes to present a question requiring an oral answer, shall submit his question to the Speaker in writing at least 10 days before. The question notice shall include:

a) the content of the question,
b) the name of the ministry required to answer the question,
c) the name and signature of the member presenting the question.
2. Any member may present to the Minster concerned a question on matters of public interest.
3. No member shall present more than one question in one question hour.
4. The Speaker shall organize the questions he accepted and send them to the ministry concerned in accordance with Article 90 of this Regulation; he shall decide the time on which answer will be given in consultation with the body concerned; and he shall notify members about it.

Article 89: Content of a Question

A question requiring oral answer shall satisfy the following:

1. It shall be short, precise, requiring an answer on a specific matter and not having the character of a leading question.
2. It shall not affect the reputation of others, and the language shall be compatible with the dignity of the House.
3. It may not reflect personal opinion, seek an answer to a complex question of law nor, be based on a hypothesis.
4. It may not relate to individual character or behaviour.
5. The subject matter shall fall under federal jurisdiction.
6. It may not concern a matter under consideration by a committee.
7. It may not relate to a wide ranging policy question that can not be covered during a question hour.
8. A question that has been answered or rejected earlier may not be presented for a second time.
9. It may not be a question seeking information in respect of minor matters.
10. It may not relate to matters that do not have current importance or that seek information which reflects past history.
11. It may not ask for information which may be easily found in a document or writing.
12. It may not concern a matter which is not under the direct responsibility of the Federal Government and is under the control of another body or individual.
13. It is prohibited to present a question regarding a case pending before a judicial or quasi-judicial or any other competent body.
14. The question shall fall under the jurisdiction of the ministry.
15. The question may not affect the dignity of friendly countries.
16. No question may be presented on national matters which are secret by their nature.

Article 90: Conditions for Accepting a Question

1. The Speaker, after examining the question notice submitted in accordance with Articles 88 and 89, may accept or reject it.
2. The questions that are accepted for presentation to the House shall be distributed to the members before the Sitting.
3. The number of questions to be entertained in one question session may not exceed 15.
4. The Speaker shall have the questions presented to the House according to the order of their submission by calling out the presenters.
5. Where over 15 questions that satisfy the conditions required are presented, the Speaker shall decide which 15 questions shall be entertained on the same day taking public interest into consideration. The remaining questions shall be entertained in another question time.
6. Where a member wishes to withdraw the question he submitted, he shall notify the Speaker thereof before the Sitting, and no answer shall be given to such a question.
7. No debate shall take place regarding a question presented and answers given during question time.

Article 91: Supplementary Questions

1. The Speaker may allow the question presenter or another member to raise supplementary questions that are based on the answers given by ministries during question time.
2. The Speaker may reject the questions for clarification on the following conditions:

a) where it is unrelated to the question presented or the answer given,
b) where it gives information instead of asking for information,
c) where it involves more than one matter,
d) where it asks for admission or denial,
e) where it does not satisfy the provisions of Articles 88 (3) and 89.

Article 92: A Question Submitted at Short Notice

1. Notwithstanding the provision of Article 88 of this Regulation, where an urgent question which is of public importance is submitted in less than ten days’ notice, the speaker may allow it to be presented to the House.
2. A member who has submitted a question at short notice, shall present his reasons in writing clearly. However, a notice which does not contain sufficient explanation shall be returned to the member.
3. The Speaker by consulting the Minister to whom a question has been presented beforehand, may have him answer the question at question time.
4. Where the Minister is unable to answer the question on time, he shall, by consulting the Speaker, answer the question on another question time.
5. Only one question submitted at short notice may be presented on one question time.
6. Where a question at short notice signed by more than one member is submitted, it shall be considered to have been submitted in the name of the first mentioned member.
7. Where similar questions are submitted at short notice, the Speaker may present them separately or together. The Minister shall answer the questions as a whole where they are presented together.
8. After the question and its presenters are disclosed by the Speaker, the Minster shall proceed to give his answer.
9. The provision of this Regulation relating to the presentation of questions, shall be applicable for the implementation of this article according to the circumstances.

Article 93: Vote of No Confidence

Any member may move a motion of no confidence in the Council of Ministers.

Article 94: Submission of a Motion of No Confidence and Its Admissibility

1. The notice for the motion shall be submitted to the House’s Business Advisory Committee through the Speaker, two days before the Sitting of the House.
2. If the Advisory Committee considers the notice for the motion to have been duly submitted, it may cause the motion presented to the House.
3. The Speaker shall have the member concerned read to the House the motion approved by the Advisory Committee in accordance with Sub-Article (2) above.
4. If the motion is supported by 1/3 of the members, the Speaker shall appoint a day for deliberation within fifteen days.
5. Where the motion fails to get the support of 1/3 of the members, the Speaker shall announce to the House that the motion has been rejected.

6. Deliberation shall be conducted on the motion which received support according to Sub-Article (4) above. Where the Speaker considers that sufficient deliberation has been conducted on the motion, he shall cause voting to take place.

7. The Speaker shall allocate the necessary speaking time.

CHAPTER TWELVE
Procedure of Election and Appointment

Article 95: Election Appointment and Approval of Officials by the House

The House shall, in accordance with Article 55 (13), 55 (19), 73 (1), 102 (2) and 103 (2), elect, appoint or approve the appointment of the following officials:

1. The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker,
2. The F.D.R.E. Prime Minster,
3. The President, the Vice-President and other judges of the Federal Supreme Court,
4. Ministers,
5. Commissioners,
6. The Federal Auditor- General,
7. The members of the National Election Board,
8. The members of the Population Census Commission,
9. Other officials whose appointment shall be approved by the House.

Article 96: The Election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker

The election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker shall be conducted in accordance with Article 8 of this Regulation.

Article 97: Appointment of the Prime Minister

1. The Prime Minster shall be appointed by the House from the political party or the coalition of political parties, that constitutes majority in the House, in accordance with Article 73 from among members of the House.
2. The member representing the political party or coalition of political parties that constitutes majority in the House shall be given by the Speaker the privilege to introduce to the House the Prime Minster to be appointed in accordance with Sub-Article (1) above.
3. The House shall directly approve the appointment of the Prime Minster presented pursuant to Sub-Article (2) above. The Prime Minster thus appointed shall, pursuant to Article 99 of this Regulation, form his cabinet and present them to the House for approval.

Article 98: Approval of the Appointment of Federal Court Judges

1. In accordance with Articles 74 (7) and 81 (1), the President and Vice-President of the Federal Supreme Court shall, upon the presentation by the Prime Minister of the FDRE, be appointed by the House.

2. Other Federal Judges shall, in accordance with Article 81(2) and the proclamation establishing the Federal Judicial Administration Council, be appointed by the House upon presentation by the Prime Minster from among candidates submitted to him.
3. When presenting judges for appointment in accordance with Sub-Articles (1) and (2) above, the Prime Minster shall submit to the House credentials about each appointee together with the appointment request.

4. Where members have a debate on the candidates presented, the Prime Minster or a person delegated by him or the representative of the Judicial Administration Council, shall give the necessary explanation to the House. And the House after deliberation shall approve the appointment.

5. Where the House considers that additional information is necessary with respect to the appointment of a judge, it may delay the approval of the appointment of the judge until the information required is provided.

6. Where the House considers that there is a fundamental problem regarding a candidate to be appointed as a judge, it may reject the recommendation for appointment.

7. Where a proposal, dismissing a judge from his post by the Judicial Administration Council in accordance with the law has been submitted, his case shall be considered and decided upon by the House.

Article 99: Approval of the Appointment of Ministers, Commissioners, Auditor-General, Members of the Election Board and Members of the Population Census Commission

1. In accordance with Articles 74 (2), 74 (7), 102 (2), 103 (2) the House shall, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister, approve the appointment of members of the Council of Ministers, Commissioners, the Auditor-General, Members of the Election Board, Members of the Population Census Commission as well as officials to be appointed by the House on the recommendation of the Prime Minister under other laws.
2. Where the Prime Minister submits his recommendation for appointees in accordance with Sub-Article (1) above, he shall also submit credentials about each appointee together with the appointment request.
3. Where members debate about each of the recommended appointees, the Prime Minister or a person delegated by him, shall be present and give the necessary explanation to the House. Then, after discussing the recommendation for each nominee, the House shall approve the appointment.
4. Notwithstanding the provision of Sub-Article (3) above, the House may, according to the circumstances, apply the provisions of Article 98 (5) and (6) of this Regulation.
5. Where the officials referred to under Sub-Article (1) above are removed of their posts, the Prime Minister shall notify the Speaker regarding the measures taken.
6. Notwithstanding the provision of Sub-Article (5) above, the heads of institutions accountable to the House and appointed by it on the recommendation of the Prime Minister or other officials shall be removed from their posts, in accordance with the law, by the House.

Article 100: Appointment of Officials Directly Approved by the House

1. Officials whose appointment must directly be approved by the House, shall be recommended by the Speaker or the committee concerned and approved by the House.
2. The body that submits a recommendation for appointment in accordance with Sub-Article (1) above, shall also submit credentials of the appointee. And the House shall approve the appointment after discussing the recommendation.

3. Notwithstanding the provision of Sub-Article (2) above, the House may, according to the circumstances, apply the provisions of Article 98 (5) and (6) of this Regulation.

Article 101: Taking an Oath

1. Any official, who is elected or appointed, or whose appointment is approved by the House shall appear and take an oath before the House.
2. The appointees shall prepare themselves in a manner compatible with the prestige and dignity of the House and shall be ushered into the hall of the House by the protocol thereof and shall take the oath through the President or Vice-President of the Federal Supreme Court.

3. The content of the oath shall be as follows:
“I-------------- when appointed as ------------ appearing before the House on this day, being faithful to the Constitution, pledge to discharge the responsibility entrusted to me by the Country and the public with honesty, diligence and on the basis of law and order.”

4. Where the President of the Federal Supreme Court is to take the oath, the taking of oath shall be conducted by the Vice-President.
5. No appointee shall commence work before taking the oath provided for under Sub-Article (3) above.
6. Unless there exists a convincing reason to the contrary, any appointee shall take oath as soon as his appointment is approved by the House.
7. Any appointee who has not taken an oath by appearing before the House pursuant to Sub-Article (6) above, may his appointment be withdrawn at the request of the Houses’ organ concerned or of its members.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Facilitating Conditions by which Members Meet with their Electorate

Article 102: Time at Which Members Meet with their Electorate

1. Any member may, where necessary, meet with the people that elected him at any time of his choice.
2. Members shall meet with the people that elected them, when they are in recess in accordance with Article 24 of this Regulation.

Article 103: The Role of the House in the Process of Members Communication with the Electorate
1. The House shall prepare a programme in which members shall communicate with the electorate to collect and present to it views regarding a subject matter it considers necessary.
2. The House shall receive the reports prepared by members; it shall give solutions as may be necessary; it may also utilize such reports as a source of input; where a decision has been passed, it shall follow up its implementation.
3. The report to be submitted to the House shall include the following:

a) major topic debated;
b) methods used by the member to collect opinions;
c) major issues found during the field work;
d) major problems encountered and solutions given;
e) the opinion of the member on the matter;
f) name of the electoral region, name and signature of the member.

4. Where members request for cooperation, the House shall facilitate the conditions by which they can get co-operation in their respective electoral localities, to enable them to effectively discharge their duties to communicate with their electorate.
5. The debate to be conducted between members and their electorate shall relate to matters falling under federal jurisdiction.
6. Without prejudice to the provision of Sub-Article (5) above, any member may debate with the competent local executive body, where a matter outside federal jurisdiction is presented to him by the electorate.

Article 104: Ways through which Members Communicate with Their Electorate.

Members may perform their duties by communicating with their electorate in the following ways:

1. by gathering the electorate as may be convenient;
2. by speaking to government and non-government bodies;
3. by collecting information and expert opinions.

CHAPTER FOURTEN
Other Functions of the House

Article 105: Lifting the Immunity of a Member

1. Notwithstanding the consent of a member suspected of a crime to be arrested or charged, the concerned bodies of justice may not arrest or charge the member without fulfillment of the procedure laid down under Article 109 of this Regulation.
2. Where a body that request the lifting of immunity of a member is:

a) a federal body that has the power to arrest and charge, the request shall be made to the House in writing by the Minister of Justice;
b) the regional state body that has the power to arrest and charge, the request shall be made to the House in writing by the head of the regional state.

3. Any request for lifting immunity shall be submitted in writing to the Speaker.
4. The Speaker may either directly submit the request to the House or refer it to the Legal and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee.
5. After the request regarding immunity has been submitted to it through the Speaker, the House may, according to the circumstances, refer it to the Legal and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee to investigate it and submit an opinion their upon, or may directly decide on the request.
6. The committee to which the matter is referred shall, when preparing its report, follow the following procedures:
a) Since proving whether the member has committed a crime or not is the power of the court, the role of the committee shall be to verify whether there are sufficient indicative conditions to justify lifting the immunity.
b) In order to establish whether the conditions stated under (a) above are satisfied, the Standing Committee may cause the presentation of the necessary witnesses and documents, cause the body concerned to appear in person and explain about the matter, or where necessary ask the member against whom the request is made about the matter.
c) While preparing its recommendation for a decision, the Standing Committee shall consider the general gravity of the alleged breach and the indicative conditions.
7. The House shall pass a decision on the basis of the report and recommendation submitted to it.
8. The House shall notify the decision it reached in writing through the Speaker to the body which requested the lifting of immunity and the member concerned.
9. A member, whose immunity has been lifted, shall have the following rights:

a) without prejudice to the provisions of other laws, his membership of the House shall not be terminated;
b) the salary he earns as a member of the House, house rent allowance, and where he is detained, benefits that he ought not to lose due to his detention shall not be terminated.
10. A member, whose immunity has been lifted because of being suspected of a crime, may not be arrested or charged where he is suspected of having committed another crime in the mean time.
11. A member whose immunity has been lifted, may regain his immunity on the following grounds:

a) where the investigating or prosecuting body concerned dismisses the case by closing the file due to the lack of any ground for prosecuting the member;
b) where the court in which the criminal proceeding was instituted proves his innocence;
c) unless it is provided in another law to the contrary, where he was convicted by the court concerned and where he has served his sentence of imprisonment in case such penalty was passed against him.

12. The Legal and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee shall follow up the criminal case against the member whose immunity has been lifted, without intervening in the work of bodies of justice handling the case.
13. The body that requested for the lifting of immunity shall report to the House regarding the result attained.

Article 106: Visits and Participation in Sittings

1. Members may pay working visits or take part in Sittings representing the House at home or abroad.
2. A member who takes part in any visit or Sitting representing the House, shall be a member who has close connection with the matter.
3. A member who, representing the House, takes part in a visit or a Sitting shall submit a report regarding his mission to the body concerned.
4. The House shall see to it that reports on visits or Sittings are properly kept.

Article 107: Prizes and Gifts

1. The House may award prizes or gifts on the following conditions:
a) to a person or body that has accomplished an achievement which is exemplary and has a nation wide effect;
b) to foreign guests or body visiting the House;
c) to a foreign person or body through members that go abroad for visits representing the House.

2. Any gifts or prizes to be given in the name of the House shall, as far as possible, demonstrate the House’s insignia ( logo), name and the like.
3. Prizes or gifts may be presented to the House from abroad or at home.
4. Prizes or gifts to be awarded to or received by the House, shall be compatible with the prestige and dignity of the Country and the House.
5. Any member who has received a prize or a gift in the name of the House, shall hand over the prize or gift to the Speaker.
6. A prize or gift awarded to the House shall be kept in a place prepared for this purpose.

Article 108: Attending as a Guest of Honour

1. Where the House is invited as a guest of honour it may accept the invitation according to the circumstances.
2. The Speaker, the Deputy Speaker or a member to be delegated by the Speaker may represent the House as a guest of honour.
3. Where being the guest of honor requires the making of opening or closing speech, the speech shall be prepared in writing.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Rights of Members

Article 109: The Right Not to be Arrested and Prosecuted

In accordance with the provision of Article 54(6) of the Constitution, no member of the House may be arrested or prosecuted without the consent of the House except in the case of a serious and flagrant crime.

Article 110: The Right to Speak in his own Language

In accordance with the provision of Article 25 of this Regulation, any member of the House has the right to speak in his own language during the sitting of the House.

Article 111: Immunity with Respect to Casting Vote or Giving Opinion

In accordance with Article 54(5) of the Constitution, no member may be prosecuted on account of any vote he casts or opinion he expresses in the House; nor shall any administrative action be taken against any member on such grounds.

Article 112: The Right to Meet with the Electorates

Any member has the right to meet with the electorates.

Article 113: The Right to Attend Committee Meetings

Any member has the right to attend any Sitting prepared by a Standing Committee with out the right to vote.

Article 114: The Right to Initiate a Draft Law and Submit an Agenda

Any member has the right to initiate a draft law and present an agenda in accordance with this Regulation.

Article 115: The Right to Maternity Leave

A women member shall have the right of one month pre-natal and two months on post-natal maternity leave.

Article 116: The Right to Resign from Membership of the House

1. Any member may resign from his membership of the House at any time of his own free will.
2. A member who wishes to resign from his membership shall notify the Speaker thereof in writing.
3. The Speaker shall notify the House of the member’s resignation.
4. His membership shall terminate as soon as the House is notified by the Speaker of his resignation.

Article 117: The Rights of Ex-members

Without prejudice to the mandatory provisions of other laws, an ex-member shall have the following rights:

1) He shall be granted a certificate describing the tasks he performed while he was a member, as well as an identity card and a letter showing that he is an ex-member.
2) Where an ex-member is assigned to, or employed in, another government post the period he served as a member of the House shall be included in the period of his public service.
3) On any working day, any ex-member shall have the right to enter into the compound of the House, use its library and present proposals useful for the development of the House.

Article 118: Obtaining Service

The conditions whereby members shall get service necessary for their functions shall be determined by a manual.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Member’s Code of Conduct

Article 119: General Principle

Every member shall be required to apply the principles of the Code of Conduct that are clearly recognized at international and national level in a manner compatible with his work.

Article 120: Promoting National Values

Every member:
1) shall be a loyal and honest servant as well as a good example to the Ethiopian people;
2) shall observe and ensure the observance of the Constitution and other laws of the Country;
3) the performance of his functions shall be based on giving precedence to, protecting and respecting national and public interests;

Article 121: Honesty and Transparency

1. Without prejudice to the provision of Article 125 of this Regulation, every member shall be honest and transparent at any time.
2. No member may introduce false information or unsubstantiated matter, pretending that it is true.

Article 122: Using Power Properly

1. No member shall misuse the power given to him by law.
2. Subject to the general stipulation above, every member shall not use his powers and duties for his own advantage or for committing acts of partiality, but for the protection of the interests of the public and citizens in a just manner.

Article 123: Discharging Responsibilities

1. Except due to obligatory conditions, every member who has been assigned or delegated to perform any function of the House, shall be expected to carry out such function with full willingness.
2. Every member shall be expected to discharge the responsibilities entrusted to him by the public and the tasks assigned to him by the House, by applying his full knowledge and experience efficiently.

Article 124: Keeping the Prestige and Dignity of The House

Every member:
1. shall, at any place, keep the prestige and dignity of the House;
2. shall refrain from undesirable acts;
3. shall not insult, abuse or harass other persons within the compound of the House, or cause disturbance to the activities of the House.

Article 125: Confidentiality

Subject to the principle of transparency in the performance of their duties, members shall keep matters confidential under the following conditions:

1. Every member shall keep confidential, matters that have come to his knowledge by virtue of his work or any other reason, and must be kept secret because they are likely to jeopardize government or public interest, peace and security.
2. No member shall reveal what has been discussed in a closed meeting before it is made public through the relevant procedure.
3. Every committee member shall keep confidential any matter being considered by a committee, and required by it to be kept secret until it is reported to the House.

Article 126: Being Free from Corruption

Every member:
1. shall be expected to fight corruption effectively by being free from corrupt practices and opposing corruption and to set an example in an anti-corruption struggle.
2. may not cast his vote or give an opinion on being influenced by bribery or any other undue benefit.
3. shall be expected to be free from wasting public money, fraudulent mis-representation, breach of trust and the like.
4. shall have the obligation of having his property and wealth registered in accordance with the relevant law.
Article 127: Refraining from Acts Likely to Cause Conflicts Among Peoples

1. Every member shall refrain from engaging in acts which in anyway may cause civil conflict, rebellion, conspiracy, disturbance or other similar criminal acts.
2. No member may, by supporting one side and denouncing the other or by making any suggestions, instigate or cause conflict between nations, nationalities, ethnic groups and religions as well as among citizens.

Article 128: Accountability

In accordance with Article 12 of the Constitution, every member shall be accountable for every activity that he carries out.

Article 129: Setting an Example

1. Every member shall be expected to set an example by enhancing his self-confidence and performing his duties with a sense of re