Template:Feature Senate

The Senate is the upper house of the Parliament of Ibagli. It was created in 1955 upon the independence of Ibagli. It is the successor to the pre-independence Legislative Council.

The Senate currently has 25 members, referred to as Senators. Senators are appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Though the Senate is the upper house, it is not as powerful as the House of Commons. Though it must agree to any legislation, it traditionally does not block the will of the democratically-elected lower house, and the government need not maintain the confidence of the Senate in order to govern.

Since Ibagli's independence, there have been moves to abolish the Senate. Though nearly all constitutional amendments designed to abolish it have been successful in the House of Commons, the Senate often refuses to consider the amendments. A referendum will be held in June 2010 on abolition of the Senate.

The Senate is presided over by its Speaker. Unlike the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Speaker of the Senate can participate in debate and vote on all divisions.