Ending the term of office of members of the National Assembly

Dissolution is a decision by the President of the Republic that ends the National Assembly’s term of office and triggers new legislative elections. It is based on Article 12 of the Constitution.

A power subject to limits

The President must consult the Prime Minister and the presiding officers of both houses of Parliament. These consultations do not constitute a request for permission. The Constitution also places limits on the use of this power.

A distinction to make: dissolution concerns the National Assembly, never the Senate. A motion of no confidence targets the Government and is a different mechanism.