Presidium

The work of the Saeima is supervised by its Presidium, which is elected by each new convocation of the Saeima at the beginning of its term of office. The Presidium consists of five MPs: the Speaker, two Deputy Speakers, the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary. 

The Presidium determines the internal rules and work procedures of the Saeima, gives its opinions regarding documents submitted to it and forwards them as prescribed by the Rules of Procedure of the Saeima, prepares the agenda of plenary sittings and confirms planned business trips. The Presidium also appoints and dismisses heads of the Saeima organisational units and performs other routine tasks.

Presidium meetings normally take place twice a week: on Mondays and Thursdays. They are convened by the Speaker, but in his/her absence by one of the Deputy Speakers. Presidium meetings usually are held in the main building of the Saeima; however, they may be convened at another time and place.

Electing the Presidium

The Presidium is usually elected at the first sitting of the newly elected Saeima. Nominations for the Presidium members are submitted in writing, and the voting on all Presidium members takes place simultaneously by secret ballot and by using ballot papers. Presidium members are elected by a simple majority; however, more than a half of the MPs present have to vote for a nominee to be elected to the Presidium.

Presidium members are usually elected from the major parties represented in the Saeima, but the Speaker may belong to a party which did not necessarily receive the majority of votes in the election.