Standing Committee for Benjastan

The Standing Committee for Benjastan was one of two equal houses in the bicameral Legislative branch of the Government of Benjastan. Unlike the People's National Congress, which was nonpartisan and elected by popular vote, the five members of the Standing Committee were elected by members of the Workers' Party. The committee was designed to ensure that legislation passed by the People's National Congress did not infringe upon Benjastan's constitutional socialism. The committee was dissolved on 1 September 2020 by a Presidential executive order returning Benjastan to a multi-party system.

Role in the Legislature

The Standing Committee has two important jobs. One is to approve legislation, and the other is to nominate a President. If legislation has a 6/8 supermajority in the People's National Congress, it will pass even without the approval of the Standing Committee.

Presidential Selection

Every two years, members of the Standing Committee nominate candidates for President. The committee votes on the candidates, selects one, then the nomination goes to the People’s National Congress.

If the Congress does not approve the nomination by a simple majority, the Standing Committee must nominate another candidate. This process repeats until the Congress approves a candidate. After both houses have approved the nomination, a vote is held among the people of Benjastan. If the nomination is not approved by a majority vote, the process starts again. This repeats until a President is selected.