constituteproject.org PDF generated: 18 Apr 2016, 15:30 Every member in the Assembly of the Representatives of the People shall, upon assuming their functions, swear the following oath: “I swear, by God Almighty, that I will diligently serve the nation, that I will respect the provisions of the Constitution, and that I will bear full allegiance to Tunisia.” Article 59 • Leader of first chamber The Assembly of the Representatives of the People shall in its first session elect a Speaker from amongst its members. • Legislative committees The Assembly of the Representatives of the People shall form permanent and special committees. Their composition and the sharing of responsibilities within the committees shall be determined on the basis of proportional representation. • Legislative committees The Assembly of the Representatives of the People may form committees of enquiry. All authorities shall assist such committees of enquiry in undertaking their tasks. Article 60 The opposition is an essential component of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People. It shall enjoy the rights that enable it to undertake its parliamentary duties and is guaranteed an adequate and effective representation in all bodies of the Assembly, as well as in its internal and external activities. • Legislative committees The opposition is assigned the chair of the Finance Committee, and rapporteur of the External Relations Committee. • Legislative committees It has the right to establish and head a committee of enquiry annually. The opposition’s duties include active and constructive participation in parliamentary work. Article 61 Voting in the Assembly of the Representatives of the People is personal and may not be delegated. Article 62 • Initiation of general legislation Legislative initiative is carried out with legislative propositions made by no less than ten members, or with draft laws submitted by the President of the Republic, or by the Head of Government. • Budget bills • International law • Treaty ratification The Head of the Government is the only authority entitled to present draft laws related to the ratification of treaties and draft budget laws. Draft laws presented by the President or the Head of Government shall be given priority. Article 63 Legislative propositions and amendments presented by members of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People are not admissible if they affect the financial balances regulated in the finance law. Tunisia 2014 Page 12