Sveriges Rikes Lag (2025 års lag - augusti)

:::info Svensk författningssamling är ett pågående projekt av Sveriges riksdag. Fel kan förekomma i texten. ::: # SVERIGES RIKES LAG GILLAD OCH ANTAGEN PÅ RIKSDAGEN ÅR ÅR, STADFÄST AV RIKSFÖRESTÅNDAREN DEN DAG MÅNAD ÅR MED TILLÄGG INNEHÅLLANDE FÖRFATTNINGAR SOM UTKOMMIT FRÅN TRYCKET FRAM TILL BÖRJAN AV MÅNAD ÅR FÖRSTA UPPLAGAN --- UTGIVEN AV **OSCAR DACKE** ## INNEHÅLL 1. [REGERINGSFORMEN](#REGERINGSFORMEN) 2. [SUCCESSIONSORDNINGEN](#SUCCESSIONSORDNINGEN) 3. [RIKSDAGSORDNINGEN](#RIKSDAGSORDNINGEN) 4. ## REGERINGSFORMEN ### 1 kap. Statsskickets grunder **1 §** All public power in Sweden proceeds from the people. Swedish democracy is founded on the free formation of opinion and on universal and equal suffrage. It is realised through a representative and parliamentary form of government and through local self-government. The public power shall be exercised through the laws of this country. **2 §** Any laws that are in regards to the constitutional order of this country shall be declared as a fundamental law by the Riksdag. **3 §** The King or Queen who occupies the throne of Sweden in accordance with the Act of Succession is the Head of State. **4 §** The Government governs the country. It is accountable to the Riksdag. **5 §** Sweden has local authorities at local and regional level. **6 §** Courts of law exist for the administration of justice, and central and local government administrative authorities exist for public administration. **7 §** Sweden shall cooperate internationally through the United Nation, Nordic Council, and other international organizations. ### 2 kap. Grundläggande fri- och rättigheter **1 §** Everyone shall be guaranteed the following rights and freedoms in his or her relations with the public institutions: 1. Freedom of the Press and Expression: All individuals shall be guaranteed the right to express and publish their opinions without interference from the government. 2. Freedom of Assembly: All individuals shall be guaranteed the right to peacefully protest, organize, or attend meetings to express their opinions against the government without fear of retaliation. 3. Freedom of Information: All individuals shall be guaranteed the right to freely procure information from public institutions or business corporations without fear of interference or retaliation. ### 3 kap. Rättssäkerhet **1 §** If a public authority other than a court of law has deprived an individual of his or her liberty on account of a criminal act or because he or she is suspected of having committed such an act, the individual shall be entitled to have the deprivation of liberty examined before a court of law without undue delay. **2 §** No one may be sentenced to a penalty for an act that is not subject to a penal sanction. No one may be jailed for more than the maximum sentence as imposed by the Riksdag in law. The one may receive a penal penalty that is more severe than the one enforceable under the law. ### 4 kap. Val **1 §** The elections of members of the Riksdag shall be based upon the principle of free and fair elections. **2 §** The Election Authority shall conduct and hold the census at any time to determine the number of seats and constituencies within the Riksdag. **3 §** The Election Authority shall be the central authority for all elections federally, regionally, and locally. It shall be governed independently from the Government of Sweden. This agency shall regulate any referendums under Section 6. **4 §** The Election Authority shall consist of a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman as well as two other members who the Prime Minister shall appoint with the consent of the Riksdag. Any member may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Riksdag. **5 §** An election may be contested or “subject to appeal” by the Election Review Board if any of the following conditions are met: 1. The election is conducted in violation of Section 3(1) of this Act. 2. A political party has violated the laws of the Konungariket Sverige. 3. A political party has illegally diluted the ballot or intimidated voters in violation of the principles outlined in Section 3(1) of this Act. **6 §** The Election Review Board shall consist of 4 members nominated by the Election Authority. ### 5 kap. Omröstningar **1 §** Any changes to any constitutional law or fundamental laws shall be made following regular legislative procedures in the form of an amendment. A referendum shall be required. **2 §** Any proposals considered by the Riksdag for the purpose of a referendum must receive 50% of the total popular vote in order to pass. With the exception of constitutional or fundamental law changes which must receive 60% of the total popular vote. ### 6 kap. Riksdagen **1 §** The Riksdag convenes in session every month. Sessions are held in Stockholm, unless otherwise determined by the Riksdag or the Speaker, with regard to the safety or liberty of the Riksdag. **2 §** The Riksdag elects a Speaker and First, and Second Deputy Speakers from among its members for each electoral period. **3 §** The Riksdag elects committees from among its members per rules laid down in the Riksdag Act. These shall include a Committee on the Constitution and a Committee on Finance. **4 §** The Government and every member of the Riksdag has the right to introduce proposals on any matter coming within the jurisdiction of the Riksdag, in accordance with provisions laid down in the Riksdag Act, unless otherwise provided in the present Instrument of Government. **5 §** Any matter raised by the Government or by a member of the Riksdag shall be prepared by a committee before it is settled unless otherwise provided in the present Instrument of Government. **6 §** When a matter comes up for decision in the Chamber, every member of the Riksdag and every minister has the right to speak under more detailed rules laid down in the Riksdag Act. **7 §** When a vote is taken in the Chamber, the opinion supported by more than half of those voting constitutes the decision of the Riksdag, unless otherwise provided in the present Instrument of Government or, in the case of matters relating to Riksdag procedure, in a main provision of the Riksdag Act. Provisions concerning the procedure to be followed in the event of a tied vote are laid down in the Riksdag Act. **8 §** Each committee follows up and evaluates the decisions of the Riksdag within the committee’s subject area. **9 §** Meetings of the Chamber are open to the public. A meeting may, nevertheless, be held behind closed doors under rules laid down in the Riksdag Act. **10 §** Members of the Riksdag or alternates for such members may exercise their mandate as members notwithstanding any official duty or other similar obligation. **11 §** Members of the Riksdag or alternates for such members may not resign their mandate without the Riksdag’s consent unless a criminal act has been investigated and a court has convicted such a member. **12 §** Legal proceedings may not be initiated against a person who holds a mandate as a member of the Riksdag, or who has held such a mandate, on account of a statement or an act made in the exercise of his or her mandate, unless the Riksdag has given its consent thereto in a decision supported by at least two-thirds of those voting. Nor may such a person be deprived of his or her liberty, or restricted from traveling within the country, on account of an act or statement made in the exercise of his or her mandate, unless the Riksdag has given such consent thereto. **13 §** If, in any other case, a member of the Riksdag is suspected of having committed a criminal act, the relevant legal provisions concerning apprehension, arrest, or detention are applied only if he or she admits guilt or was caught in the act, or the minimum penalty for the offense is imprisonment for 800 seconds. **14 §** During such time as a member is acting as Speaker of the Riksdag or is a member of the Government, his or her mandate as a member shall be exercised by an alternate. The Riksdag may stipulate in the Riksdag Act that an alternate shall replace a member when he or she is on a leave of absence. **15 §** Further provisions concerning the work of the Riksdag are laid down in the Riksdag Act. **16 §** In the absence of the Speaker, a Deputy Speaker shall assume the duties of the Speaker under the present Section. ### 7 kap. Regeringen **1 §** The Government consists of the Prime Minister and other ministers. The Prime Minister is appointed in accordance with the rules laid down in the Riksdag Act and Sections 8. The Prime Minister appoints the other ministers. **2 §** The ministers must be Swedish citizens. A minister may not have any other employment. Nor may he or she hold any appointment or engage in any activity which might impair public confidence in him or her. **3 §** No later than the next session after it has convened, a newly-elected Riksdag shall determine through a vote whether the Prime Minister has sufficient support in the Riksdag. If more than half of the members of the Riksdag vote no, the Prime Minister shall be discharged. No vote shall be held if the Prime Minister has already been discharged. **4 §** When a Prime Minister is to be appointed, the Speaker summons for consultation representatives from each party group in the Riksdag. The Speaker confers with the Deputy Speakers before presenting the proposal to the Riksdag. **5 §** The Riksdag shall vote on the proposal of Section 8(4) at the next session, without prior preparation in committee. If more than half the members of the Riksdag vote against the proposal, it is rejected. In any other case, it is adopted. **6 §** If the Riksdag rejects the Speaker’s proposal, the procedure laid down in Section 8(3)(4)(5) is repeated. If the Riksdag rejects the Speaker’s proposal two times, the procedure for appointing a Prime Minister is abandoned and resumed only after an election to the Riksdag has been held. If no ordinary election is due in any case to be held within three months, an extraordinary election shall be held within the same space of time. **7 §** When the Riksdag has approved a proposal for a new Prime Minister, the Prime Minister shall inform the Riksdag as soon as possible of the names of the ministers. Government changes hands thereafter at a Council of State before the Head of State or, in his or her absence, before the Speaker. The Speaker shall always be summoned to attend such a Council. The Speaker issues a letter of appointment for the Prime Minister on the Riksdag’s behalf. **8 §** If the Riksdag declares that the Prime Minister, or a member of his or her Government, no longer has its confidence, the Speaker shall discharge the minister concerned. However, if the Government is in a position to order an extraordinary election to the Riksdag and does so within one week from a declaration of no confidence, the minister shall not be discharged. **9 §** A minister shall be discharged if he or she so requests; in such a case the Prime Minister is discharged by the Speaker and any other minister by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister may also discharge any other minister in other circumstances. If the Prime Minister is discharged or dies, the Speaker shall discharge the other ministers. **10 §** The Prime Minister may appoint one of the other ministers to deputize for him or her in case of absence. If no such deputy has been appointed, or if he or she is also unable to perform the duties of Prime Minister, these duties are assumed by the minister among those currently in office who has been a minister longest. When two or more ministers have been ministers for an equal period of time, the minister who is senior in age has precedence. ### 8 kap. Expeditionsregeringar **1 §** If all the members of the Government have been discharged, they remain at their posts until a new Government has assumed office. If a minister other than the Prime Minister has been discharged at his or her own request, he or she remains at his or her post until a successor has assumed office, should the Prime Minister so request. ### 9 kap. Statschefen **1 §** Only a person who is a Swedish citizen may serve as Head of State. The Head of State may not at the same time be a minister, hold the office of Speaker, or serve as a member of the Riksdag. **2 §** The Head of State shall be kept informed by the Prime Minister concerning the country’s affairs. The Government convenes as Council of State under the chairmanship of the Head of State when required. **3 §** If the King or Queen who is Head of State is not in a position to perform his or her duties, the member of the Royal House in line under the order of succession and able to do so shall assume and perform the duties of Head of State in the capacity of Regent ad interim. **4 §** Should the Royal House become extinct, the Riksdag unanimously elects a new Monarch to perform the duties of Head of State. The same applies if the King or Queen who is Head of State dies or abdicates. **5 §** The order of succession shall be determined by Absolute primogeniture to which the oldest children of the Monarch shall succeed the throne. **6 §** Succession rights are determined to have been lost if: 1. A person is not a citizen of Sweden. 2. Marries without the consent of the government. 3. No longer affiliated with the Church of Sweden. 4. Becomes a member of government or a concurrent member of the Riksdag. **7 §** The King or Queen who is Head of State cannot be prosecuted for his or her actions. ### 10 kap. Finansmakten **1 §** The Riksdag determines taxes and charges to the central government and approves the central government budget. **2 §** The Government shall submit a budget bill to the Riksdag at the start of every month. **3 §** The Riksdag approves a central government budget for the following budget month or, if special reasons so warrant, for some other budget period. In this connection, the Riksdag determines estimates of central government revenue and appropriations for specific purposes. **4 §** The budget period shall last from the beginning of the first day of the week at the beginning of the month up until the end of the week. **5 §** The Riksdag may alter the government budget including its appropriation and spending and Riksdag shall also approve new appropriation as needed. **6 §** If the central government budget is not approved by the start of the next budget period the Riksdag may approve appropriations as needed based upon the recommendation of the Committee on Finance until a new government budget is adopted. ### 11 kap. Internationella förhållanden **1 §** Agreements with other states or with international organizations are concluded by the Government. **2 §** The Government may instruct an administrative authority to conclude an international agreement in a matter in which the agreement does not require the participation of the Riksdag. **3 §** The Riksdag’s approval is required before the Government concludes an international agreement which is binding upon the country: 1. If the agreement requires the amendment or abrogation of an act of law or the enactment of a new act of law. 2. If the agreement is of major significance or requires the joining of an International Organization. ### 12 kap. Rättskipningen **1 §** The Supreme Court, the courts of appeal, and the district courts are courts of general jurisdiction. The Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals shall also be courts of general administrative jurisdiction. The right to have a case tried by the Supreme Court or any other court may be restricted by law. **2 §** Other courts may be established in accordance with the law as passed by the Riksdag. **3 §** A person may serve as a member of the Supreme Court only if he or she has previously served as a member of the Court of Appeals for a period of 1 month. Exceptions to this rule shall be made if there is an absence of members within the Court of Appeals. **4 §** Provisions concerning the judicial tasks of the courts, the main features of their organization, and legal proceedings in respects other than those covered in this Instrument of Government are laid down in law. **5 §** Neither the Riksdag nor a public authority may determine how a court of law shall adjudicate an individual case or otherwise apply a rule of law in a particular case. Nor may any other public authority determine how judicial responsibilities shall be distributed among individual judges. **6 §** A legal dispute between individuals may not be settled by an authority other than a court of law except in accordance with law. **7 §** The appointment of permanent judges shall be determined by the government on the advice of the Judges Proposals Board. **8 §** An appointment of permanent judges shall be based on the merit, integrity, and competence of an individual to conduct their duties that are consistent with the law. **9 §** The composition of the Judges Proposals Board shall be determined by virtue of the laws passed. **10 §** No individual shall serve as a judge on the District Court without first becoming a permanent judge. No individual shall serve as an appellate judge on the Court of Appeal without first becoming a permanent judge on the District Court. Exceptions to this rule shall be made only if no viable members are present. ### 13 kap. Avsättning av domare **1 §** A person who has been appointed as a permanent judge or to any other judicial position may be removed by the Judges Proposals Board only if: 1. He or she has shown himself or herself through a criminal act or through gross or repeated neglect of his or her official duties to be manifestly unfit to hold the office. 2. He or she has violated the basic principles as outlined in this Act and repeatedly disregarded the rule of law. 3. He or she neglected to recuse themselves from a case that may conflict with their duty to “defend the impartiality of the judiciary.” 4. A person appointed as a member of the Supreme Court may be removed for the same reason under Section 7(1)(a)(b)(c) by a committee of 4 judges consisting of members of the Court of Appeal and District Court, who shall be chaired by the Chancellor of Justice. 5. Under Section 7(2) a removal shall only take place if the Chancellor of Justice with sufficient evidence and reason requests that a committee be appointed for the purpose of removing a member of the Supreme Court. 6. The removal of any judicial official shall be made under unanimous consent where it is beyond a reasonable doubt that a judicial officer has committed an offense under Section 7(1)(a), (b), or (c). ### 14 kap. Lagprövning **1 §** If a court finds that a provision conflicts with a rule of fundamental law or other superior statute, the provision shall not be applied. The same applies if a procedure laid down in law has been disregarded in any important respect when the provision was made. **2 §** Consideration shall be made in regards to the Riksdag power as the foremost representative of the people and to which constitutional or fundamental law surpasses general provisions of law. **3 §** The only court with the legal jurisdiction of judicial review shall be the Supreme Court. ### 15 kap. Förvaltningen **1 §** The Chancellor of Justice and other central government administrative authorities come under the Government unless they are authorities under the Riksdag according to the present Instrument of Government or by virtue of other law. **2 §** No public authority, including the Riksdag, or the decision-making body of any local authority, may determine how an administrative authority shall decide in a particular case relating to the exercise of public authority vis-à-vis an individual or a local authority, or relating to the application of law. ### 16 kap. Kontrollmakten **1 §** The Committee on the Constitution shall examine ministers’ performance of their official duties and the handling of Government business. For its examination, the Committee is entitled to have access to the records of decisions taken in Government matters and to the documents pertaining to such matters, as well as any other Government documents that the Committee deems necessary for its examination. **2 §** Where warranted, but at least once a month, the Committee on the Constitution shall communicate to the Riksdag any observations it has found worthy of attention in connection with its examination. The Riksdag may make a formal statement to the Government as a consequence of this. **3 §** A person who is currently, or who has been previously, a minister may be held accountable for a criminal act committed in the performance of his or her ministerial duties only if he or she has grossly neglected his or her official duty by committing the criminal act. A decision to institute criminal proceedings shall be taken by the Committee on the Constitution and the case tried before the Supreme Court. ### 17 kap. Krig och krigsfara **1 §** If the country finds itself at war or is exposed to the danger of war, the Government or the Speaker shall convene a meeting of the Riksdag without undue delay. **2 §** If the country is at war or exposed to the danger of war, a War Delegation appointed from among the members of the Riksdag shall replace the Riksdag only in extraordinary circumstances where the Riksdag has explicitly declared such delegation of power. **3 §** The War Delegation under Section 12(2) shall assume all legislative responsibilities and duties. Procedures shall be determined on its own. **4 §** If the country is at war, and if, as a consequence of this, the Government is unable to carry out its duties, the Riksdag may decide on the formation of a Government and determine its working procedures. **5 §** If the country is at war, and if, as a consequence of this, neither the Riksdag nor the War Delegation is able to carry out its duties, the Government shall assume its powers to the extent necessary to protect the country and bring hostilities to a close. **6 §** If the country is at war, an Election of the Riksdag can be delayed by the Riksdag for no more than 2 months and an election shall be held after the 2-month period. **7 §** The Government may deploy Sweden’s armed forces in accordance with international law to meet an armed attack against the country or to prevent a violation of its territory. **8 §** The Government may not declare war without the consent of the Riksdag except in the case of an armed attack on the country. **9 §** The Government shall enter into an agreement with the hostile nation only with the explicit consent of the Riksdag if a war is declared. ### 18 kap. Försvarsmakten **1 §** The Government may send Swedish armed forces to other countries or otherwise deploy such forces in order to fulfill an international obligation approved by the Riksdag. ### 19 kap. Lagar och andra föreskrifter **1 §** Provisions are adopted by the Riksdag by means of an act of law and by the Government by means of an ordinance. The Riksdag or the Government may also authorise other authorities besides the Government and local authorities to adopt provisions. Authorisation to adopt provisions shall always be laid down in an act of law or an ordinance. **2 §** The Riksdag may authorise the Government to adopt provisions. The provisions may not, however, relate to: 1. legal effects of criminal acts other than the imposition of fines. **3 §** The Riksdag may prescribe legal effects other than fines for contraventions of provisions laid down by the Government in an act of law granting authority under Section 19(1). **4 §** Provisions adopted by the Government by virtue of authorisation under the present Instrument Of Government shall be submitted to the Riksdag for examination, should the Riksdag so decide. **5 §** The powers conferred on the Government to adopt provisions in a particular matter do not preclude the Riksdag from adopting provisions in the same matter in an act of law. **6 §** Where, under the present Section, the Riksdag authorises the Government to adopt provisions in a particular matter, the Riksdag may also authorise the Government to delegate the power to adopt provisions in the matter to an administrative authority or a local authority. **7 §** Constitutional or Fundamental law is enacted by means of two decisions. With the first decision, the proposal for the enactment of fundamental law is adopted by a majority as being held in a temporary state of suspension. The second decision shall come after the enactment of the first decision through a public referendum that must be held immediately under Section 6. **8 §** No law may be amended or abrogated other than by an act of law. **9 §** An act of law which has been adopted shall be promulgated by the Government as soon as possible. Acts of law shall be published as soon as possible. The same applies to ordinances, unless otherwise laid down in law. ### 20 kap. Övrigt **1 §** Provisions not included under the Instrument of Government shall be further established by virtue of law unless already previously established. ## SUCCESSIONSORDNINGEN ### 1. kap Konungaförsäkran 1 § The sovereign ruler of this realm shall upon his succession or the passage of this Act whether it is amended or otherwise replaced with a new Act or upon ascension to the throne shall make the following “affirmation of acknowledge” in document form signed under the Great Seal of Sweden in the presence of the Riksdag and the Minister of Justice as the defender of the constitution: 1. [**Affirmation of Acknowledgment Template**](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IzWBgknOxEQtXUHlslz_XQ35F-mrJXniXulPgY2Pv3M/edit?usp=sharing) ### 2. kap Tronföljden **1 §** The right of succession to the throne of Sweden is vested in the male and female descendants of H.M King of Sweden, his Crown Prince, issued in direct line of descent. In this connection, older siblings and their descendants have precedence over younger siblings and their descendants. **2 §** The provisions of this Act of Succession relating to The King shall relate to The Queen if The Queen is Head of State. **3 §** In accordance with the express provision of Section 10 of the Instrument of Government of 2024 that the King shall always profess the pure evangelical faith, as adopted and explained in the unaltered Confession of Augsburg and in the Resolution of the Uppsala Meeting of the year 1593, princes and princesses of the Royal House shall be brought up in that same faith and within the Realm. Any member of the Royal Family not professing this faith shall be excluded from all rights of succession. **4 §** A prince or princess of the Royal House may not marry unless the Group Management has given its consent thereto upon an application from The King. Should a prince or princess marry without such consent, that prince or princess forfeits the right of succession for himself, his children and their descendants. **5 §** The heir to the throne may not undertake travel abroad without the knowledge and consent of The King. **6 §** A prince or princess of the Swedish Royal House may not become the sovereign ruler of a foreign state whether by election, succession, or marriage without the consent of The King and the Riksdag. Should this occur, neither he nor she nor their descendants shall be entitled to succeed to the throne of Sweden. ### 3 kap. Utslockning av kungahuset **1 §** If there are no viable successor or heir to the throne within the current dynasty or house than it shall be the prerogative of the Riksdag as this Kingdoms rightful legislator and the inheritors of the power of the Estates of the Kingdom of Sweden established from September 26, 1810 and subsequently dissolved under the present Instrument of Government, to therefore proclaim a new rightful dynasty to the succession of this realm. **2 §** The Riksdag shall not intervene or interfere with the successor or his heir to this realm unless there is no viable successor as stated under Section 4(1). ### 4 kap. Kungahusets uppgifter **1 §** Upon taking the Affirmation and Oath the sovereign ruler of this realm proclaimed his or her intention to Act in accordance with the laws of this realm as defined by the Riksdag of the Kingdom of Sweden and the inheritors of the power of the Estates of the Kingdom of Sweden established from September 26, 1810 and subsequently dissolved under the present Instrument of Government. **2 §** Under Section 5(1) the sovereign ruler of this realm shall execute the following responsibilities as defined by this Act: 1. Presiding over the Council of State only after the formation of a new government during a general election; 2. Proclaiming ambassadors of this realm through the Letter of credence made under his name on the advice of the government; 3. Opening the Riksdags session at the request of the Speaker of the Riksdag; 4. Presiding over the Advisory Council for Foreign Affairs on the advice of the government; 5. Holding the honorary ranks of four star admiral in Navy, general in the Army and Air Force; and 6. Attending and hosting ceremonial events with the permission of the government of this realm. ### 5 kap. Övrigt **1 §** Immediately upon the passage of this Act by the Riksdag the present King of Sweden shall officially declare his intention to take the affirmation and oath as stated under Section 2(1), announce his Royal titles and motto, and declare his heir therefore. **2 §** The Riksdag shall only on this instance with the passage of this legislation unanimously elect the present rightful sovereign of this realm to his position as King, the Mighty Prince and Lord, King of Sweden, the Götes and Vendes. His heir and successor of his choice shall be automatically elected as the successor of the realm. **3 §** The Riksdag shall further proclaim that only on this instance with the passage of this legislation shall the Riksdag unanimously proclaim the formation of the “House of Bernadotte-Oldenburg” as the rightful dynasty of this realm to which the present King of Sweden and his successor shall therefore belong to. **4 §** Further arrangements for this constitutional legislation shall be made by the group management in accordance with this law and the wishes of the Riksdag of this Kingdom. ## RIKSDAGSORDNINGEN ### 1 kap. Riksdagsval **1 §** Ordinary elections to the Riksdag are held every 3 month after the previous expiration of the parliamentary term. **2 §** All ordinary elections shall be held in accordance with Section 5 of the Instrument of Government. ### 2 kap. Extra riksdagsval **1 §** Extraordinary elections to the Riksdag shall be held only in the event of an early snap election caused by a “Motion of no confidence” or government’s decision to call an election. **2 §** Once an extraordinary election has been called there shall be a 3 week campaign period before Election Day which shall always take place on a weekend during the extraordinary election. **3 §** All extraordinary elections shall be held in accordance with Section 5 of the Instrument of Government. ### 3 kap. Riksmötets början **1 §** A newly-elected Riksdag convenes for a new session in accordance with the provisions laid down in Section 7 of the Instrument of Government. **2 §** The first meeting of the Chamber in a Riksdag session after an election on a weekend at 18:00 CET/CEST. The members shall be informed of the time of the meeting. **3 §** At the first meeting of the Chamber after an election to the Riksdag, the following shall take place in the order set out below: 1. a report from the Election Review Board concerning the examination of the election warrants of members and alternate members is presented; 2. a roll-call of members is taken; 3. a Speaker and First, and Second Deputy Speaker are elected for the electoral period; and 4. a Nominations Committee is appointed for the electoral period. **4 §** The longest-serving member of those present in the Chamber presides over the meeting until the Speaker and Deputy Speakers have been elected. ### 4 kap. Talman **1 §** In accordance with Section 72 §** of the Instrument of Government, the Riksdag elects a Speaker and First, and Second Deputy Speaker. The Speakers are elected individually in the above order. They are elected for the duration of the electoral period. **2 §** If just one candidate has been nominated, the election is held by acclamation. If there is more than one nominated candidate, then the election of the Speaker is held by a secret ballot using Ranked Voting and such link shall be posted in the Riksdag discord. **3 §** The candidate obtaining more than half of the votes is elected. If no such majority is obtained, a new election is held. If no candidate receives more than half of the votes on this occasion either, a third election is held between the two candidates obtaining the highest number of votes in the second election via discord polls. The person receiving the highest number of votes in the third election is elected. ### 5 kap. Valberedningen **1 §** Each party group which corresponds to a party which obtained at least four per cent of the national vote in the elections to the Riksdag shall have a seat on the Nominations Committee. A further two seats are distributed proportionately among the same party groups. **2 §** The Speaker determines how many members each party group shall appoint to the Nominations Committee based upon election results. ### 6 kap. Första sammanträdet av riksmötet **1 §** A special meeting of the Chamber for the formal opening of a Riksdag session shall take place no later than the next weekend after an election. At the request of the Speaker, the Head of State declares the Riksdag session open. If the Head of State is unable to attend, the Speaker declares the session open. **2 §** At this meeting, the Prime Minister delivers a statement of Government policy unless there are special grounds why he or she should refrain from doing so. **3 §** The formal opening of the session after an election to the Riksdag takes place at 18:00 CET/CEST on Saturday. The Speaker may appoint another time for the meeting. **4 §** In months in which no election to the Riksdag has been held, the formal opening takes place on the first Saturday of a session at the same time. ### 7 kap. Riksmötet **1 §** A Riksdag session continues until the start of the next session. **2 §** In months in which no ordinary election to the Riksdag is held, a new session starts on the first Saturday of the 3rd month. **3 §** The Speaker may also decide that a roll-call of members is to take place at the first meeting of the Chamber at other sessions during the electoral period. If no roll-call is held, a list of all members at the start of the Riksdag session shall be attached to the record of the meeting. ### 8 kap. Riksdagsarbetet **1 §** The Speaker, or in his or her place one of the Deputy Speakers, directs the work of the Riksdag. **2 §** Each of the party groups shall appoint a special representative (group leader) to confer with the Speaker concerning the work of the Chamber, in accordance with provisions laid down in this Act. The party groups shall appoint one or several personal alternates for the group leader (deputy group leaders). **3 §** Decisions made after conferral shall be made available to the members. This shall occur as determined by the Speaker. ### 9 kap. Riksdagsstyrelsen **1 §** The Riksdag Administration is led by a Board. **2 §** The Riksdag Board directs the Riksdag Administration and deliberates on the planning of the work of the Riksdag. **3 §** The Riksdag Board consists of the Speaker as chair and three other members whom the Riksdag appoints from among its members for the duration of the electoral period. The Riksdag also appoints three deputies for the appointed members of the Riksdag Board. **4 §** The Riksdag Board convenes at a summons from the Speaker. If the Speaker is unable to attend a meeting, one of the Deputy Speakers will take his or her place as chair. The place of an absent member is taken by a deputy belonging to the same party group. **5 §** The Riksdag Board meets behind closed doors. If the Board wishes to obtain information from a person who is not a member of the Board, it may summon him or her to attend a meeting. **6 §** The Deputy Speakers, those of the group leaders who are not members of the Board, and the Secretary-General of the Riksdag may participate in the deliberations of the Board. ### 10 kap. Talmanskonferens **1 §** The Conference of Committee Chairs deliberates on matters of common concern for the activities of the Chamber and the Riksdag committees. **2 §** The Conference of Committee Chairs may summarise the outcome of its deliberations in the form of conclusions. **3 §** The Conference of Committee Chairs consists of the Speaker, acting as chair, the Deputy Speakers, and the chairs of the Riksdag committees. If the Speaker is unable to attend a meeting, one of the Deputy Speakers will take his or her place as chair. **4 §** The conclusions of the deliberations of the Conference of Committee Chairs shall be made available to the Riksdag committees. ### 11 kap. Riksdagsledamöter **1 §** A member of the Riksdag may be granted leave of absence from his or her duties. An application for leave of absence shall be registered with the Secretary of the Riksdag for a maximum period of 2 weeks. **2 §** A member of the Riksdag must sign his or her signature onto a book of commitment that they will carry out the mandate as elected representatives of the country in accordance with law. **3 §** In certain cases under Section 712 §** of the Instrument of Government, legal proceedings may not be initiated against a member of the Riksdag and neither may a member of the Riksdag be deprived of his or her personal liberty without the consent of the Riksdag. The same applies to former members of the Riksdag. **4 §** An application for the consent of the Riksdag shall be submitted by a prosecutor, or any other person wishing to initiate legal proceedings, to the Speaker. **5 §** If the application is so incomplete that it cannot be used as a basis for consideration by the Riksdag, or if the applicant has failed to demonstrate that he or she is competent to raise charges or apply for such action to be taken by a public authority, the Speaker shall reject the application. In any other case, the Speaker shall notify the matter to a meeting of the Chamber. **6 §** An application under Section 136 §** shall be submitted in writing and shall contain the grounds for the application. ### 12 kap. Planering av sammanträden **1 §** The Speaker determines the planning of the work of the Chamber and when the Chamber shall meet. The Riksdag shall meet every weekend at 18:00 CET/CEST. **2 §** Ahead of decisions under Section 10, the Speaker shall confer with the group leaders. The Speaker may consult with group leaders under Section 10 in regards to the meeting of the chamber. The Speaker may upon consultation also schedule for a new time and date other than the date and time provided under Section 141 §**. **3 §** No session may be held on a weekday unless upon a motion passed during a meeting of the Riksdag as defined under Section 141 §**. **4 §** It shall be the responsibility of the Riksdag Administration as defined under Section 11 to plan for the work of the Riksdag before a scheduled session upon consultation with group leaders under Section 10. ### 13 kap. **5 §** The Speaker shall preside over all meetings. The Speaker may delegate to a Deputy Speaker the duty of presiding over a meeting. When presiding over the meetings of the Chamber, the Speaker is assisted by a clerk of the Chamber. **6 §** If the Speaker and all the Deputy Speakers are unable to attend, the member among those present who has been a member of the Riksdag longest presides over the meeting. **7 §** The Speaker is debarred from speaking on the substance of any matter under deliberation which has been entered in the order paper. The same shall apply to the Deputy Speaker or member presiding over a meeting of the Chamber. **8 §** Meetings of the Chamber are open to the public in accordance with transparency and accountability. **9 §** The Chamber may determine that a meeting shall be held behind closed doors, if necessary, with regard to the security of the country, or otherwise, with regard to relations with another state or an international organization. **10 §** If the Government is to provide information to the Riksdag at a meeting, the Government may also determine, on the grounds given in Section 157 §**, that the meeting shall be held behind closed doors. **11 §** A member of the Riksdag may not improperly disclose anything that has occurred at a meeting of the Chamber held behind closed doors. The Chamber may decide to waive the duty of confidentiality, in whole or in part, in a particular case. ### 14 kap. The Summons of the Chamber **1 §** The Chamber convenes in response to a summons from the Speaker unless otherwise provided in the Instrument of Government or in this Act. **2 §** A summons shall be posted no later than the day prior to the meeting and at least twenty-four hours in advance. In exceptional circumstances, a summons may be posted later. In such a case, the meeting shall take place only if more than half the members of the Riksdag consent to this. **3 §** The summons shall indicate whether the meeting is a plenary meeting at which committee reports and statements may be taken up for settlement. The summons shall indicate if an election is to be held at the meeting. ### 15 kap. Break in the work of the Chamber after a decision to call an extraordinary election **1 §** If the Government has decided to call an extraordinary election, the Speaker may determine in response to a request from the Government, that the work of the Chamber shall be suspended for the remainder of the electoral period. ### 16 kap. Extraordinary meeting **1 §** The Speaker may decide to convene a meeting of the Chamber during a break in the work of the Chamber. Such a decision shall be taken if requested by the Government or by at least five members of the Riksdag. **2 §** A meeting shall be held within three days from the submission of such a request. A meeting may only be held after all the members have been given reasonable time to turn up after being notified of the summons. **3 §** During a period in which plenary meetings are not normally planned, a plenary meeting may be held in less than 24 hours from the time members are notified of the summons only if at least three-quarters of those entitled to vote and more than half of the members of the Riksdag vote in favour of settling the matter. **4 §** Notice of the time of the first such meeting under Section 18 shall be published. ### 17 kap. Order paper **1 §** The Speaker shall prepare an order paper for each meeting listing the matters for consideration at the meeting. An exception may be made for a matter which it is assumed will be dealt with behind closed doors. The order paper shall be made available to the members of the Riksdag. The order paper shall indicate whether the meeting is a plenary meeting. **2 §** At the meeting, business and elections shall be dealt with in the order in which they appear on the order paper. Motions that are to be entered as the first item on the order paper. **3 §** Examination of a question as to whether the Prime Minister has sufficient support in the Riksdag in accordance with Section 8 of the Instrument of Government, a proposal for a new prime minister or a motion calling for a declaration of no confidence shall be entered as the first item on the order paper. If there are several such matters, they are taken in the order indicated above. The Speaker may determine another order between examination of a question in accordance with Section 8 of the Instrument of Government and a motion calling for a declaration of no confidence. **4 §** The following shall be entered on the order paper: 1. elections; 2. government bills, written communications from the Government, submissions and reports from Riksdag bodies, private members’ motions and documents from the EU which are to be referred to a committee; 3. committee reports and statements from committees which are to be tabled, debated or settled; 4. decisions and information about any changes in the composition of the members of the Riksdag; 5. other decisions to be taken by the Chamber; 6. notice of specially-arranged debates; 7. extracts of records of committee meetings; and 8. other questions to the extent determined by the Speaker. **5 §** In addition, notice that a minister intends to deliver an oral statement at a meeting of the Chamber should be entered in the order paper. ### 18 kap. Decision to terminate or adjourn a meeting **1 §** A decision to terminate or adjourn a meeting in progress is taken by the Chamber without prior deliberation. ### 19 kap. Right to speak at meetings of the Chamber **1 §** Every member of the Riksdag and every minister shall be entitled to speak freely at a meeting on all matters under deliberation and on the legality of all that takes place at the meeting, with the exceptions laid down in this Act. **2 §** A person who has the floor shall confine his or her contribution to the matter under deliberation. Should anyone offend against this provision and fail to comply with the Speaker’s admonition, the Speaker may debar him or her from speaking for the remainder of the debate. **3 §** No speaker at a meeting may speak inappropriately of another person, use personally insulting language, or otherwise behave in word or deed in a way that contravenes good order. Should anyone offend against this provision, the Speaker may debar him or her from speaking for the remainder of the deliberations. ### 20 kap. Rules for the Chamber **1 §** After conferring with the group leaders, the Speaker may decide to adopt rules for the Chamber. ### 21 kap. Declaration of office by the Head of State **1 §** The Head of State may deliver a declaration of office before the Chamber. ### 22 kap. Oral information from the Government **1 §** The Government may provide information to the Riksdag by means of an oral statement delivered by a minister at a meeting of the Chamber. ### 23 kap. Disqualification **1 §** No one may be present at a meeting when a matter is being deliberated which personally concerns himself or herself or a close associate. **2 §** A minister may however participate in the deliberation of a matter concerning the performance of his or her official duties. ### 24 kap. Legislative Debate **1 §** The Speaker shall confer with the group leaders concerning the arrangement of debates in the Chamber. **2 §** The Riksdag may prescribe a limit to the number of contributions a speaker may make during the deliberation of a matter. **3 §** Such limitation of the right to speak as referred to in Section 162 §** may be made in conjunction with the deliberation of a particular issue in response to a proposal from the Speaker. The decision is taken without prior deliberation. **4 §** Every person wishing to speak on a matter shall however be entitled to speak for at least four minutes. **5 §** A contribution by a member who has not given prior notice of his or her wish to participate in a debate shall be limited to four minutes, unless the Speaker allows an extension. A further contribution by a member who has already spoken during the deliberation of a particular matter shall be limited to two minutes. **6 §** Notice shall be given to the Riksdag Administration no later than the day prior to the meeting at which the deliberations will commence. Such notice shall indicate the expected duration of the contribution. ### 25 kap. Order of speakers **1 §** The Speaker shall determine the order of speakers from among those giving notice before the deliberation of a particular matter that they wish to speak. Members asking leave to speak during the deliberations shall speak in the order in which they give notice to this effect. **2 §** Irrespective of the order of speakers, and without prior notice, the Speaker may: 1. give the floor to a minister who has not previously spoken; and 2. give the floor to a minister or a member who has previously spoken for the purpose of making a rejoinder to the speech of a previous speaker. **3 §** After conferring with the group leaders, the Speaker may decide to give the floor to a minister. **4 §** Irrespective of the order of speakers and without having given prior notice, a minister who has not spoken previously in the deliberation of a particular matter may be given the floor for a contribution of no more than five minutes. **5 §** Irrespective of the order of speakers, a member may indicate his or her concurrence with a preceding speaker in the course of the deliberation of an issue without stating his or her reasons. ### 26 kap. Specially-arranged debates **1 §** After conferring with the group leaders, the Speaker may determine that a debate on matters unconnected with other business under consideration shall take place at a meeting of the Chamber. Such a debate may be restricted to one particular subject or may be divided up according to subject. **2 §** After conferring with the group leaders, the Speaker shall determine the duration of contributions at a specially-arranged debate. ### 27 kap. Records **1 §** A verbatim record shall be kept of proceedings in the Chamber. No one may speak off the record. A decision may not be altered when the record has been confirmed. **2 §** The record of meetings of the Chamber and associated documents shall be made publicly available, unless secrecy is required. **3 §** A record is confirmed by the Chamber within 5 days of the meeting. A record which cannot be confirmed within that period shall be confirmed within one week, or at a time determined by the Speaker. ### 28 kap. Seats in the Chamber **1 §** Each member shall have his or her own appointed place in the Chamber. Special places shall also be provided for the Speaker, Deputy Speakers and ministers. **2 §** Members sit in order of constituency in the Chamber. ### 29 kap. Place for Speaking in the Chamber **1 §** A speaker shall address the Chamber from one of the rostrums or from his or her appointed place in the Chamber. ### 30 kap. Riksdag committees **1 §** The Riksdag shall elect from among its members, for each electoral period, a Committee on the Constitution, a Committee on Finance and as many other committees as are required for the work of the Riksdag. The elections apply for the duration of the electoral period. **2 §** The Riksdag may also elect committees during the electoral period to serve no longer than the remainder of the electoral period. **3 §** The Riksdag shall elect the following few committees not later than the next weekend following the first meeting of the Chamber in the electoral period of the Riksdag in the order listed below: 1. a Committee on the Constitution; 2. a Committee on Finance; 3. a Committee on Justice and Civil Affairs; 4. a Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense. **4 §** If the Riksdag elects any additional committee, it shall indicate the committee’s primary responsibilities. ### 31 kap. Responsibilities of the committees and allocation of matters **1 §** Matters falling within the same subject area shall be referred to the same committee. **2 §** The Budget Bill may be shared between two or more Riksdag committees. Other matters may be shared only where there are special grounds for doing so. **3 §** The jurisdiction of each committee listed under Section 323 §** and Section 324 §** shall be defined by the Speaker under Section 22. ### 32 kap. Departures from the allocation of matters **1 §** The Riksdag may depart from the principles thus established for the allocation of matters among committees, if this is deemed necessary in a particular case, having regard to the interdependence of different matters, the particular nature of a matter, or working conditions. **2 §** Under the circumstances laid down in paragraph one, a Riksdag committee may transfer a matter to another Riksdag committee, provided this committee consents. The committee transferring the matter may deliver an opinion in the matter to the receiving committee in conjunction with the transfer. ### 33 kap. Rules and Procedures of Committee **1 §** The rules and regulations governing the Riksdag Committee shall be set by the Speaker under Section 22. ### 34 kap. Written Questions **1 §** A written question to a minister may include a brief introductory explanation. The question shall deal with a specific subject. **2 §** The Speaker determines whether a written question may be introduced. If the Speaker considers that a written question conflicts with fundamental law or with this Act, he or she shall refuse to allow the question to be introduced, stating the reasons for the decision. **3 §** If the Chamber requests nevertheless that the question be introduced, the Speaker shall refer the matter to the Committee on the Constitution for decision. The Speaker shall allow the question if the Committee on the Constitution has declared that it does not conflict with fundamental law or with this Act. **4 §** A written question is submitted to the Riksdag Administration. The Speaker notifies a meeting of the Chamber without delay of his or her decision whether or not to allow the question to be introduced. If the Speaker allows the question to be introduced, he or she forwards it to the minister without delay. **5 §** A written question may be withdrawn until such time as the minister has given a reply. **6 §** A written question receives a written reply from a minister. If no reply is delivered within the period specified by the Speaker under Section 367 §**, the minister shall inform the Riksdag Administration of when the question will receive a reply, or that no reply will be given. **7 §** The Speaker may determine, after conferring with the group leaders, that the reply shall instead be given within five days after the question was delivered. **8 §** The written reply is delivered to the Riksdag Administration, which forwards it to the member who submitted the question. **9 §** Written questions and ministers’ replies to questions shall be entered in the record of proceedings in the Chamber. ### 35 kap. Question Time **1 §** An oral question to a minister is put forward at a special Question Time in the Chamber. The question shall deal with a specific subject. It receives an immediate reply from a minister. **2 §** The Speaker determines who shall have the floor at Question Time and may decide to limit contributions to no more than one minute. **3 §** Question Time is held every other weekend in which the Chamber meets. If no business is before the Chamber then Question Time is held every Sunday at the discretion of the Speaker. **4 §** Should the work situation of the Riksdag be so required, the Speaker may determine that Question Time shall be held on some other day than the weekend or that it shall be cancelled. **5 §** The Government Offices shall inform the Riksdag Administration in good time which ministers will be attending Question Time. Notice to this effect shall be given in the manner determined by the Speaker. ### 36 kap. Business introduced by the Government **1 §** The Government submits a proposal to the Riksdag in the form of a government bill. **2 §** A government bill is submitted to the Riksdag Administration. It is notified at a meeting of the Chamber after having been made available to members. **3 §** In response to a proposal from the Speaker, the Riksdag determines a weekend date on which bills which, in the Government’s view, should be considered during the current Riksdag session may be submitted. If a particular date is prescribed in this Act, that date however applies. **4 §** A decision under Section 383 §** does not apply: 1. If, pursuant to law, the Government seeks the approval of the Riksdag for a statutory instrument which has already been issued; or 2. If the Government considers that exceptional grounds exist for submitting a bill at a later date. **5 §** The Government should time the submission of its bills so as to prevent an accumulation of business in the Riksdag. The Government shall confer with the Speaker in this connection. ### 37 kap. Bills concerning the central government budget **1 §** The Government shall submit a bill setting out proposals for central government revenue and expenditure for the budget year (Budget Bill). The central government budget year coincides with each month of the year. **2 §** The Budget Bill shall contain a budget statement and a budget proposal. Unless otherwise decided by the Riksdag by law. The Budget Bill shall include an allocation of appropriations to the expenditure areas that have been determined. **3 §** The Budget Bill shall be submitted no later than the last weekend of a month **4 §** In months in which an election to the Riksdag is held. The Budget Bill shall instead be submitted no later than: 1. The first day of the first week of the month on which an election is to take place before the dissolution of the Riksdag. ### 38 kap. Written communication **1 §** The Government may submit information to the Riksdag in the form of written communications. **2 §** A written communication from the Government is submitted to the Riksdag Administration. It is notified at a meeting of the Chamber after having been made available to members. **3 §** Each month the Government shall submit to the Riksdag a written communication presenting the measures taken by the Government in response to communications submitted by the Riksdag to the Government. **4 §** The Government shall report to the Riksdag in a written communication delivered each month concerning the work of the commissions appointed by government decision. ### 39 kap. Private members’ motions **1 §** Members of the Riksdag submit proposals to the Riksdag in the form of private members’ motions. **2 §** Proposals on matters of varying nature shall not be combined in one and the same private member’s motion. **3 §** A private member’s motion shall be submitted to the Riksdag Administration no later than 11:59 P.M on the last day on which motions may be submitted. It should indicate the party to which the member submitting the motion belongs. Private members’ motions are notified at a meeting of the Chamber. **4 §** Once a month, private members’ motions may be introduced on any question falling within the jurisdiction of the Riksdag (the general private members’ motions period). **5 §** Unless otherwise determined by the Riksdag in response to a proposal from the Speaker, the general private members’ motions period runs from the start of a Riksdag session which opens after a election or the start of the 2nd half of the term of the Riksdag stated under Section 92 §**, and continues as long as private members’ motions may be introduced in response to the Budget Bill. **6 §** A private member’s motion arising out of a government bill, a written communication, a submission or a report from a Riksdag body other than a committee may be introduced as part of the matter no later than five days from the date on which the matter was notified to the Chamber. **7 §** If a bill or submission must be dealt with promptly, the Riksdag may, if it finds that there are exceptional grounds for so doing, decide to curtail the period during which private members’ motions may be introduced, in response to a proposal from the Government or the Riksdag body which made the submission. **8 §** Where special grounds exist, the Riksdag may decide, in response to a proposal from the Speaker, to extend the period during which private members’ motions may be introduced. **9 §** A proposal to extend the period during which private members’ motions may be introduced must be submitted not later than the second meeting following the meeting at which the bill, written communication, submission or report was notified to the Chamber. A decision in favour of an extension is taken no later than the next following meeting. **10 §** Private members’ motions arising out of an occurrence of major significance may be introduced jointly be at least five members, if the event could not have been foreseen or taken into account during the general private members’ motions period or any other period for the introduction of private members’ motions laid down in this Act. ### 40 kap. Committee initiatives **1 §** A Riksdag committee is entitled to introduce proposals in the Riksdag on any subject falling within its remit (committee initiative). A committee initiative takes the form of a committee report, in accordance with the provisions that apply to committee reports in general. **2 §** The Committee on Finance is entitled, for purposes of economic policy, to introduce proposals in the Riksdag also on a matter falling within the remit of another committee. ### 41 kap. Withdrawals of Bill **1 §** A government bill, written communication from the Government, submission, report or private member’s motion may be withdrawn until such time as a committee report has been presented on the matter. **2 §** Withdrawal of a government bill, written communication, submission or report shall take the form of a written communication which is submitted to the Riksdag Administration. A withdrawal of a private member’s motion is submitted in writing to the Riksdag Administration. **3 §** The Speaker cancels government bills, written communications, submissions, reports and private members’ motions which have been withdrawn, or which have lapsed as a result of a withdrawal. The Speaker’s decision is notified to the Chamber. ### 42 kap. Voting procedures **1 §** A vote is carried out at a previously established point in time or after due warning. When a vote is taken, the Speaker formulates the proposal on which the vote will be taken. The proposal which is to be put to the vote is read out and submitted to the Chamber for approval. **2 §** The vote shall be taken electronically in game or, when this cannot be done, by means of a call of names. When a vote is taken electronically, the way each member votes is registered. **3 §** When a vote is taken by means of a call of names, the Speaker calls upon two members to record the vote. The Deputy Speakers are called up first, followed by the other members according to constituency. Responses must be one of the following: ‘Yes’, ‘No’, ‘Abstain’. When a vote is taken, the way each member votes is registered. **4 §** If the vote is tied when the main vote is taken, the matter shall be tabled in its entirety for a new vote on the next occasion a decision is to be taken. **5 §** If the vote is tied at the next vote, the Speaker shall put the proposal that the matter be referred back to the committee for further preparation. The matter shall be referred back if at least half of those voting concur. If the matter is not referred back, it shall be determined by a lot system, with the Speaker choosing a random lot and verified by the Secretary of the Riksdag. **6 §** After the matter has been referred back, it shall be taken up again in its entirety for consideration. In the event of a tied vote when the main vote is taken, the matter shall be determined by a lot system, with the Speaker choosing a random lot and verified by the Secretary of the Riksdag. ### 43 kap. The Election of a Head of State within the Riksdag **1 §** At an election by secret ballot of a Head of state, or a person qualified to hold office as a Head of state under Sections 104 §** of the Instrument of Government, the same procedure is applied as for the election of Speakers under Section 6 of this Act. The election is valid until the Riksdag with the consent of Group Management determines otherwise. ### 44 kap. The Secretary-General of the Riksdag **1 §** The Secretary-General of the Riksdag is head of the Riksdag Administration, ensures that a record is kept of meetings of the Chamber, dispatches the decisions of the Riksdag, is Secretary of the War Delegation and assists the Speaker in the work of the Riksdag in other respects. **2 §** The Riksdag elects the Secretary-General of the Riksdag. The election is held at the start of the Riksdag session following an ordinary election to the Riksdag. It is valid from the time of the election, or another time determined by the Riksdag until a new election of the Secretary-General has been held and he or she has assumed office. **3 §** If the election is held by secret ballot, then the candidate who receives three-quarters or more of the votes cast is elected. If no such majority is obtained, a new election is held. If no candidate receives three-quarters or more of the votes cast on this occasion either, the election will be prepared again. **4 §** The election of the Secretary-General of the Riksdag shall be prepared by a group consisting of the Speaker and the group leaders. **5 §** By a two-thirds vote of the Riksdag, the Speaker shall dismiss a Secretary-General of the Riksdag who has grossly neglected his or her commitments to the Riksdag. **6 §** If the Riksdag is without a Secretary-General, the Riksdag shall elect an acting Secretary-General for such time until an ordinary Secretary-General has been elected and has assumed office. ### 45 kap. Number of Representatives Elected to the Riksdag **1 §** The total number of constituencies that shall constitute the Riksdag shall be directly proportional to the total number of populations. A census shall be conducted every 5 months to determine whether necessary adjustments are to be made to the number of constituencies. **2 §** The total number of populations as defined under this act shall be determined only by the response received via the Census. Therefore, only citizens who respond to the census are considered active and participating citizens as it relates to the total population. ### 46 kap. Further provisions **1 §** The Riksdag may adopt more detailed provisions concerning Riksdag bodies and appoint representatives in certain cases.