Opposition and Legislative Minorities: Constitutional Roles, Rights and Recognition

International IDEA Constitution-Building Primer 22
3,339
This publication is only available in electronic format
Published: 
9 July 2021
Language: 
English
Pages: 
51
ISBN: 
978-91-7671-443-0 (PDF)
Author(s): 
Elliot Bulmer

This Primer examines the recognition, roles and rights of the opposition and the legislative minority in democratic constitutions. Opposition parties operating in democracies rely upon a wide range of constitutional protections, such as the freedoms of association, assembly and expression, backed by an independent judiciary and an impartial civil service. These protections ensure that opponents of the government continue to enjoy equal rights and are not criminalized, harassed or disadvantaged. However, many constitutions go further, formally recognizing the role, powers and responsibilities of the opposition or legislative minority in democratic politics.

Contents

1. Introduction

2. What is the issue?

3. Constitutional  or subconstituional rules?

4.  Leader of the opposition: appointment and removal

5.  Politiical oppostition: Roles and responsiblities

6.  Veto and referral Powers of legislative minorities

7.  Decision-making questions

Examples

References

Annex

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