The
legislature of Belize, or the National Assembly is bicameral in nature. The Belizean National Assembly consists of the Senate and House of Representative. The members of House of Representative are elected while the Senators are mainly appointed.
The Chapter 6 of Belizean Constitution empowers the National Assembly to make laws in order to maintain the good governance, order and peace of the country. The bicameral legislature of Belize was introduced after the general election of 1954.
The National Assembly is elected for a term of five years and it can be dissolved by the governor general of the country with the consent of the Prime Minister. General elections are held in the country within the three months of its dissolution. One session of Belize legislature must be held every year.
There are 28 members in House of Representative and the Senate comprises of 8 members. Essential qualifications required for senators and representatives are:
- Should be a Belizean citizen
- 18 years of age
- Person holding government office are excluded from serving either house
- He or she should have lived for at least one year before seeking nomination or appointment
- Members of police forces or armed forces are excluded from serving either house.
The main job of the
legislature of Belize is to frame laws for the better functioning of the government.
