Legislative Branch:
A bicameral elected parliament assumed legislative power at the end of March 2007 with the conclusion of the Sequenced Democratic Process. The transitional "Military Council" had exercised legislative power through legal orders since August 3, 2005.

Administrative Structure

The Military Council for Justice and Democracy holds legislative power during the transitional period which extends from August 3, 2005 to March 31, 2007. The Council issued a constitutional charter on August 6, 2005 that dissolved the elected parliament of 2001. The Council set November 19, 2006 as the date for electing a new National Assembly; January 21, 2007 as the date for electing the senate.

Functions

The new bicameral parliament will assume its legislative powers upon the completion of the transitional process on March 31, 2007. On November 19 and December 3, 2006 the 95 members of the National Assembly were elected in a pluralist and competitive election contested by 28 political parties and several independent groups. Elections of members of the Upper House (Senate), composed of 53 members, took place on January 21, 2007 with a second round on February 4, 2007