About the National Assembly

The National Assembly of Belize

The National Assembly is the Legislature or Parliament of Belize, responsible for making laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the nation. It consists of two houses:

  • The House of Representatives (Lower House): Comprised of thirty-one (31) members elected through general elections under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act. Note that in accordance with the provisions of section 90 of the Belize Constitution, the National Assembly may by law increase this number.
  • The Senate (Upper House): Comprised of thirteen (13) members nominated and appointed by the Governor General of Belize.

Legislative Process

However, the National Assembly can postpone the coming into operation of any such law and can make laws with retrospective effect. All laws made by the National Assembly are styled “Acts”.

The Power of the National Assembly to make laws shall be exercised by Bills passed by both Houses and assented to by the Governor General. In other words, no law made by the National Assembly shall come into operation until it has been signed by the Governor General.

Oversight Role

Beyond lawmaking, an important role of the National Assembly is also to provide oversight to the administrative policies and economics of the government through various Standing Committees of the House of Representatives.

For example, all proposed legislation, messages, petitions, reports, motions and other matters under the title of each Standing Committees shall be referred by the House to such Committee for examinations, consideration and report to the House.

Duration and Dissolution

The life of a National Assembly is five years. However, it can be prorogued or dissolved at any time by the Governor General, who shall act in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister.