The Senate of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Current President
H.E. MR. FAISAL EL – FAYEZ
There are 75 members of the senate the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, , all appointed by His Majesty, the King of Jordan for a 4 year tenure.
His Majesty, the King can remove a member before the end of the tenure.
The Council is convened by a call from the King to sit when the need arises.
His Majesty The King can also dissolve the Council before the end of the tenure through a royal decree.
Bills originate from the Lower House before they go to the Council.
The Council sits in ordinary session for a period of four months. The King can however, call for other sessions when the need arises.
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL
The chairman is the President appointed by the King for a period of two years, which is extendable.
THE FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL’S PRESIDENT
1. He presides over the Council’s meetings.
2. He chairs the Supreme Council for the interpretation of the constitution.
3. He chairs the joint meeting of both chambers.
-The President of the Council comes after the Prime Minister in the country’s National Order of Precedence.
-His Majesty, the King can remove him before the end of his tenure.
The Council elects members of Supreme council for the interpretation of the constitution. They are as follows:
1-Three members of the house of dignitaries for the membership of the Supreme council for the interpretation of the constitution.
2. First Deputy President
3. Second Deputy President
4. Two Assistants to the President
They loose their membership if they resign, or are appointed into new positions. Their functions are as follows:
1. Representing the Council at official engagements when it is on recess.
2. Supporting the President in his duties.
3. Taking charge of the Council in the absence of the President.
COMMITTEE SYSTEM
There are nine committees elected by the Council each having a maximum of 15 members and members of interim committees which are set up when the need arises. The committees have as roles, to study the Draft Bills referred to them from the president of the Council and to discuss policies and decisions relevant to their different mandates. Each committee elects its chairman.
Members of Committees are elected for 2-year tenure. The Chairs preside over the committee meetings and report the findings on each matter to the chamber.
FUNCTIONS OF THE CHAMBER
1- Legislation :
The council has as a role to study and discuss the Draft Bills referred to it from the House of the Representatives and takes appropriate decision.
2- Oversight :
- The council has oversight functions with regards to the function of executive power.
- The Jordanian constitution is specific on the relationship between the council and the other arms of the government.
- The council functions with its rules of procedures and it can amend the rules of procedures in accordance with the functions of the council , and the provisions contained in the rules of procedures permit the council to discipline erring members.
Members of the council can not be sued , questioned , detained or jailed without the approval of the council unless caught in the act and in this case the council shall be informed immediately .
ADDRESS
The House of Dignitaries
P.O. Box 72
Postal code 111.1
Telephone: 0096265664121
Fax: 0096265621782
Web site :- https://www.senate.jo/
