HeLA Democracy

National Assembly - The National Legislature

The National Assembly forms the country's National Legislature or Parliament where laws and regulations that impact the country as a whole are made or abolished.

The National Assembly consists of elected representatives (i.e. the Community Counsel for the National Assembly) from all the Community Councils in the country. They voice local issues at a national level in this forum. Appointed Governors from Regional Assemblies have equal voting rights in the National Assembly and they voice regional issues at this forum. There will be 99 representatives from the Community Councils and 9 Governors from the Regional Assemblies at this national forum. In addition there will be one delegate from the Supreme Council (i.e. Supreme Counsel for the National Assembly - The Prime Minister) and one delegate (i.e. the Speaker) appointed by The Sovereign. The assembly in total will have 110 delegates, making it economical, representative and efficient. All representatives of the National Assembly are legally accountable to the Independent Council against Corruption and Due Process (ICCDP).

The Chair of a National Assembly is the Speaker. S/he is appointed by the Sovereign for a term of 6 years and has no voting rights in order to be independent and impartial. The Speaker facilitates the National Assembly meetings and also serves to uphold the sacred Hela values of Humanity, Wisdom and Self-sufficiency. 

The Supreme Counsel for the National Assembly (The Prime Minister) also has no voting rights in the National Assembly. This is to preserve the independence of the National Assembly. S/he however introduces proposed bills/legislation from the Supreme Council for a majority vote in the National Assembly.  

Unlike the Westminster system, this assembly takes the shape of a large semi-circle with the Chair of a National Assembly (The Speaker) at the front of the semi-circle in an elevated position. The Supreme Counsel for the National Assembly (The Prime Minister) sits below the Speaker. All other 108 delegates complete the semi-circle and are equal in their position before the assembly.

The National Assembly convenes on the 3rd week of the month (Monday through to Friday). There are at least 9 sittings a year, where each sitting is 5 days in duration. The National Assembly may not convene without the Chair of a National Assembly (Speaker) or the Supreme Counsel for the National Assembly (Prime Minister) or their representatives according to the constitution. At least 70% of the assembly must be present when voting takes place at the National Assembly (Legal and financial penalties apply for absence from voting without reasonable cause). Matters before the National Assembly shall only be passed or rejected on a majority conscience vote.

Prime Directives of the National  Assembly

• Uphold the sacred Hela values of Humanity, Wisdom and Self-sufficiency 

• Debate and vote on issues (both national and international) according to conscience. In all discussions and debates, the paramount consideration is collectively: the common good, the principle of equity, Hela culture and traditions, Hela sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Heladiva

• Enact, amend or repeal laws and regulations that apply to the entire Island and all of its territories, including maritime boundaries/zones.