The Bureau

The Parliament is headed by a Bureau of a President and four Vice-Presidents. Between them the five members represent the five regions of the continent, so that no region is without a voice in the direction of the institution.

The Bureau is elected by the Parliament from names put forward by the regional caucuses, and it directs the business of the Parliament between sessions.

The responsibilities of the Bureau are set out in the Rules of Procedure. It is responsible for:

• The management and administration of the affairs and facilities of Parliament and its organs.
• Regulating the procedures relating to the financial, organisational and administrative needs of Parliament, in accordance with the Financial Rules of the African Union, and matters concerning Members and the internal organisation of Parliament and its organs.
• Determining the draft agenda and the programmes of the sessions of Parliament.
• Determining the establishment, plan and structure of the Secretariat, and laying down the regulations for its staff, including their terms and conditions of service.
• Proposing to Parliament, for adoption, the establishment and job descriptions of its support staff.
• Proposing to Parliament the appointment of the Clerk and the Deputy Clerks.
• The preparation of the draft budget and its presentation to the responsible committee.
• Coordinating and harmonising the functions of the permanent committees.
• Any other matter arising under directives issued by Parliament, and any further function prescribed by Parliament or incidental to those above.