Page:Spanish Constitution of 1978 English translation.pdf/31

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39.1, 42; 54, 56.4 SOthe statutory manner, shall not be binding on the Houses, and members may not exercise their functions nor enjoy their privileges.


Section 68

Congress Composition81 C1. The Congress shall consist of a minimum of three hundred and a maximum of four hundred Members, elected by universal, free, equal, direct and secret suffrage, under the terms to be laid down by the law.

Constituencies141.1 C2. The electoral constituency is the province. The cities of Ceuta and Melilla shall be represented by one Member each. The total number of Members shall be distributed in accordance with the law, each constituency being allotted a minimum initial representation and the remainder being distributed in proportion to the population.

Proportional representation3. The election in each constituency shall be conducted on the basis of proportional representation.

Duration of Congress115 C 22 SO4. The Congress is elected for four years. The term of office of Members thereof ends four years after their election or on the day on which the Congress is dissolved.

Franchise and eligibility13.2, 23 C5. All Spaniards entitled to the full exercise of their political rights shall be electors and may be elected.

The law shall recognise and the State shall facilitate the exercise of the right of vote by Spaniards who are outside Spanish territory.

Date of elections and first meeting of Parliament62 b) C 1 SO6. Elections shall take place between thirty and sixty days after the end of the previous term of office. The Congress so elected must be convened within twenty-five days following the holding of elections.


Section 69

Senate Composition2, 137 C1. The Senate is the House of territorial representation.

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