Rule 9 Amendments, deletions and new items

The Assembly may amend, delete or add new items to the agenda so adopted if so decided by a two-thirds majority of the States Parties present and voting.

IV BUREAU  

Rule 10 Bureau

10.1 The Bureau shall consist of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson(s) and the Rapporteur.

10.2 The Bureau shall coordinate the work of the Assembly and fix the order of business of the session. It shall also assist the Chairperson in carrying out her or his functions.

10.3 The Bureau, convened at the request of its Chairperson, shall meet as frequently as deemed necessary. The Bureau may, if the Chairperson deems it appropriate, be consulted by correspondence.

Rule 11 Election of officers

11.1 The Assembly shall elect the Chairperson, up to five Vice-Chairpersons and the Rapporteur at the opening of each session in conformity with the principle of equitable geographical representation.

11.2 The term of office of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson(s) and the Rapporteur will run from the opening of the session of the Assembly in which they are elected until the closing of the session.

11.3 The Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson(s) and the Rapporteur shall not be eligible for immediate re-election after completing two consecutive terms.

Rule 12 Powers and duties of the Chairperson

12.1 In addition to exercising the powers and duties which are conferred upon her or him elsewhere by the present Rules of Procedure, the Chairperson shall open and close each plenary meeting of the Assembly. She or he shall direct the discussions, ensure observance of the present Rules of Procedure, accord the right to speak, put questions to the vote and announce decisions. She or he shall rule on points of order and, subject to the present Rules of Procedure, shall control the proceedings and the maintenance of order. She or he shall not vote, but she or he may instruct another member of her or his delegation to vote in her or his place.

12.2 Should the Chairperson be absent during a meeting, or part thereof, her or his powers and duties shall be exercised by one of the Vice-Chairpersons, selected at the discretion of the Chairperson. A Vice-Chairperson acting as Chairperson shall have the same powers and duties as the Chairperson.

V CONDUCT OF BUSINESS  

Rule 13 Quorum

13.1 A quorum shall consist of a majority of the States Parties referred to in Rule 2 and represented at the Assembly.

13.2 The Assembly shall not decide on any matter unless a quorum is present.

Rule 14 Public nature of meetings

14.1 Meetings shall be held in public unless decided otherwise by the Assembly.

14.2 Any decision taken by the Assembly at a private meeting shall be announced at a subsequent public meeting.

Rule 15 Subsidiary bodies

15.1 The Assembly may establish such subsidiary bodies, including working groups, as it deems necessary for the performance of its functions.

15.2 The Assembly shall define the composition and the terms of reference (including mandate and duration of office) and, if necessary, the quorum of such subsidiary bodies at the time of their establishment. 

15.3 Each subsidiary body shall elect its Chairperson.

15.4 In appointing members of subsidiary bodies, due regard shall be given to principle of equitable geographical representation.