Althingi:Althingi is believed to have been established at Thingvellir (about 40 km east of Reykjavík) in 930 AD, the date which marks the foundation of the Icelandic state. Since then the Althing has been the primary symbol of Iceland’s separate national identity. Under the terms of the Constitution of the Republic of Iceland (founded in 1944), the Icelandic Parliament, Althing, together with the President of the Republic, exercises legislative power.
Results of elections to Althingi, 25 April 2009
Alliance
Independence Party
Left-Green Movement
Progressive Party
Civic Movement
Liberal Party
Democratic Movement
Valid votes
55,758
44,369
40,580
27,699
13,519
4,148
1,107
%
29.79
23.70
21.68
14.80
7.22
2.22
0,59
Members elected
63
20
16
14
9
4
0
0
Under Iceland’s parliamentary system, the Government governs by virtue of a mandate from Althingi. Parliament also has authority over finances and consequently has considerable influence on the executive arm of the government. In addition, Althingi elects members of key committees and councils within state institutions. Althingi is composed of 63 members, elected for a maximum period of four years. The members of Althingi have parliamentary immunity and swear allegiance to the Constitution. The Constitution and the Rules of Procedure of Althingi specify the rights and duties of the parliamentarians.
Legislation is the principal role of Althingi. Bills presented may be Government Bills, presented by the government under the aegis of the relevant Minister, or Members’ Bills presented by one or more Members of Althingi. Bills are occasionally presented by parliamentary committees. Bills must pass through three readings to become law. After a general debate at the first reading of a bill, it is referred to a standing committee. When the committee has completed its treatment of the bill and submitted a report, the bill is given its second reading, which involves discussion of individual articles. Finally, the bill as a whole is discussed at the third reading. If the third reading culminates in the bill being passed as an act by Althing, it is sent to the President of Iceland for ratification and signature. The new act is then published and thus becomes valid legislation.
Twelve specialized standing committees function within Althingi. It is customary for the committees in the course of their work to seek evidence from outsiders, who may be asked for a written report or requested to appear before the committees. Members of Althingi take part in a wide variety of international collaborative activities. Reports on these activities are submitted to Althingi annually.
