National Congress of the Vanguard

The National Congress of the Vanguard of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Badara, often simply known as the National Congress or just Congress, is the unicameral national legislature of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Badara (DSRB). It was founded in 3367, the year in which the DSRB succeeded the Union of Socialist Sultanates.

The National Congress is the only institution of the national Badaran government with legislative powers, including legislative initiative. Thus, the National Congress alone may pass, amend or repeal laws or motions, approve (or reject) the budget, declare war, ratify (or refuse to ratify) an international treaty, and make changes to the constitution; the latter two powers can only be exercised by a two-thirds majority. Additionally, the Government of the DSRB must have the confidence of the National Congress to remain in power. Due to these powers, the National Congress is considered the most important political institution in the DSRB.

The National Congress nominally has 701 members, although by long-standing tradition, one seat is always left vacant. Each Democratic Socialist State is entitled to equal representation regardless of population. The D'Hondt method of proportional representation is used to elect the 140 members representing each State. Elections are held no more than four years apart, as the National Congress will automatically dissolve itself after a term of four years. At these elections, every seat in the National Congress will be up for election. However, by majority vote or in accordance with constitutional law, the National Congress may be dissolved ahead of schedule.

The last elections for the members of the National Congress were held in July 3386. The next will be held, at the lastest, in July 3390. Currently, there are seven parties with legislative representation, of which three have over one hundred seats. The United Justice Party, with 181 seats, is the largest party.