30 No. 2 of 2016] Committees of National Assembly 80. Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) (1) The National Assembly may establish parliamentary committees. (2) Parliamentary committees shall be established at the first sitting of the National Assembly after a general election and after the election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speakers. (3) The National Assembly shall, in selecting members of a parliamentary committee, ensure that there is equitable representation of the political parties holding seats in the National Assembly and independent Members of Parliament. (4) The Standing Orders shall provide for the categories, functions and procedures of parliamentary committees. Term and prorogation of Parliament 81. (1) The term of Parliament shall be five years commencing from the date that the Members of Parliament are sworn into office after a general election and ending on the date that Parliament is dissolved. (2) The National Assembly may, when the Republic is at war, by resolution supported by a simple majority vote of the Members of Parliament, extend the term of Parliament for not more than twelve months at a time. (3) Parliament shall stand dissolved ninety days before the holding of the next general election. (4) Subject to clauses (5), (6) and (7), the President may dissolve Parliament if the Executive cannot effectively govern the Republic due to the failure of the National Assembly to objectively and reasonably carry out its legislative function. (5) Where the President intends to dissolve Parliament in accordance with clause (4), the President shall inform the public and refer the matter, within seven days, to the Constitutional Court. (6) The Constitutional Court shall hear the matter, referred to it in accordance with clause (5), within seven days of receipt of the matter.