Chamber of advisors draws lots to renew third of members

The House of Advisors (upper parliamentary chamber) drew lots on Wednesday to pick 180 members who will go through elections to renew one third of its 270 members for the second time since 1997.

Under article 38 of the Constitution amended in 1997, the Chamber's members are elected for a nine-year term, with one third of its members renewed every three years.

Ninety advisors, who were re-elected in 2000, were excluded from the lot drawing.

The chamber is elected through the indirect universal suffrage by electoral colleges representing local councils, professional chambers and trade unions.

Out of the 90 advisors to be renewed, 54 represent local councils, 11 agriculture chamber, 8 industry and services chambers, 7 craftsmanship chamber, 1 fisheries chamber and 9 others represent unions.

The ballot will take place on October 6.