Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Committee
Article 8
1. At the last formal session held in each year, the Committee shall decide on a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson for the following year. 2. The Chairperson shall have the following duties: (a) to approve the draft agenda for each formal session or informal meeting; (b) to preside at formal sessions or informal meetings; (c) to open and close each formal session or informal meeting; (d) to submit the draft agenda to the Committee for adoption at the beginning of each formal session or informal meeting; (e) to direct discussions and ensure that the procedures specified in the Rules of Procedure and Implementation are observed; (f) to invite the Parties to speak; (g) to rule on points of order in accordance with the relevant Rules of Procedure and Implementation; and (h) to ask questions and announce decisions. 3. If the Chairperson is absent from all or part of a formal session or an informal meeting, or is temporarily unable to fill the office of Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall act as Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson, the Committee shall appoint a temporary Chairperson. 4. If, for any reason, the Chairperson is unable to continue to fill the office of Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall become Chairperson until the end of the year.