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URL: https://data.ipu.org/parliament/JM/JM-UC01/

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Political system

Political systems: Presidential, Parliamentary, Presidential-Parliamentary, Monarchy, Communist, Transitional.

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Parliamentary system

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Structure of parliament

Structure of parliament: Unicameral, bicameral

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Bicameral

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IPU membership

Current membership status

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Yes

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About parliament

Basic information such as the official name of parliament and details of its structure and leadership. Also includes the current breakdown of MPs by sex and age, and provisions for quotas and reserved seats.

Parliament name
Parliament
Chamber name
Senate

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Structure & status of parliament

This field is to indicate lower/upper in the back end.

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Upper chamber
Parliamentary term (years)

Length of the parliamentary term in years

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5

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IPU membership

Affiliation periods
from 1983 to 1996
from 2024
IPU Geopolitical Group/s

IPU Geopolitical Groups: African Group, Arab Group, Asia-Pacific Group, Eurasia Group, Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC), Twelve Plus Group.

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Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC)

Speaker

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Official title

The Speaker may for example be known as the Presiding Officer, President, Chairman/Chairperson, etc.

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President of the Senate
Speaker
Thomas Tavares-Finson (Male)
Date of birth: 07 Jul 1953
Term

Start (and end) of the term of the Speaker

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10 Mar 2016
Additional information

Elected on 10 March 2016, re-elected on 15 Sep. 2020 and 18 Sep. 2025.

Speaker terms

No information available

Secretary general

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Official title

This post is most commonly called Secretary General or Clerk. It may also be called Secretary, Head/Chief of the Secretariat, Director General, etc.

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Clerk to the Houses of Parliament
Secretary General
Colleen Lowe (Female)
Term

Start (and end) of the term of the Secretary general

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08 Apr 2024
Notes

Additional information about the Secretary General, in particular regarding their term.

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Appointed on 8 April 2024.

Members

Statutory number of members

Statutory number of members, as defined in the constitution or other fundamental law.

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21

Notes: Appointed by the Governor General.

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Principal mode of designation of members
Appointed

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Appointed members

Appointed, for example, by the Head of State.

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21
Current number of members

Number of members who currently hold seats in parliament. May be lower or higher than the statutory number of members.

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21

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Men

The number of male parliamentarians who currently hold seats in parliament.

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13

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Women

The number of female parliamentarians who currently hold seats in parliament.

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8

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Percentage of women

Calculated by dividing the current number of women by the current number of members.

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38.1%

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Statutory number of members per country

As defined in the constitution or other fundamental laws. Combines the number of parliamentarians in both chambers in bicameral parliaments.

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84

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Population (in thousands)

Source: United Nations, World Population Prospects.

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2,840

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Inhabitants per parliamentarian

Calculated by dividing the population by the statutory number of parliamentarians.

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33,810

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Age

Data on the age of parliamentarians is collected at the start of the legislature, following the most recent elections. This data is not updated during the legislature, except when parliament notifies the IPU of a change in the youngest or oldest member.

Average age of all members

Average age of members, for which data is available, at the time of the last election or renewal.

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Number of members, by age

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Breakdown of members by age and gender
18 - 20 21 - 30 31 - 40 41 - 45 46 - 50 51 - 60 61 - 70 71 - 80 81 - 90 91 and over Totals per gender
Male No information available
Female
Total <= 45: - Total >= 46: -
Percentage of members, by age
Age at the last election or renewal Overall Male Female Other
Percentage of MPs 30 years of age or younger

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 - - - -
Percentage of MPs 40 years of age or younger

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 - - - -
Percentage of MPs 45 years of age or younger

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 - - - -
Members for whom data is available

Number of members, at the start of the legislature, for whom age data is available

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Click for historical data

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Reserved seats and quotas

There are reserved seats in parliament for certain groups

Reserved seats are a means to ensure the parliamentary representation of certain groups in society.

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No

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Electoral quota for women

Quotas to promote gender-balanced representation in parliament

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No

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Youth quota

Quotas to promote the representation of youth in parliament.

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No

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Links to additional information

Parliamentary website

Link(s) to parliamentary web site in English, French and/or local languages.

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List of members

Link(s) to list of members on the parliamentary web site.

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No information available
Rules of procedure/Standing Orders

Link(s) to Rules of procedure on the parliamentary web site in English, French and/or local language.

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Constitution

Official links to the Constitution in English, French and/or original language is provided. Links to unofficial translations where no other source is available.

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Historical data for IPU membership

Historical data for IPU membership
Year IPU membership
2020-09
List of values for 2020-09
No
2019-04
List of values for 2019-04
No
2018-06
List of values for 2018-06
No

Historical data for IPU membership

Historical data for IPU membership
Updated at IPU membership
2024-10 Yes
1997-01 No
1983-01 Yes

Historical data for Chamber name

Historical data for Chamber name
Updated at Chamber name
1967-01 Senate
- Senate
Official title

The Speaker may for example be known as the Presiding Officer, President, Chairman/Chairperson, etc.

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President of the Senate
Speaker
Thomas Tavares-Finson (Male)
Date of birth: 07 Jul 1953
Term

Start (and end) of the term of the Speaker

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10 Mar 2016
Additional information

Elected on 10 March 2016, re-elected on 15 Sep. 2020 and 18 Sep. 2025.
Official title

The Speaker may for example be known as the Presiding Officer, President, Chairman/Chairperson, etc.

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President of the Senate
Speaker
Thomas Tavares-Finson (Male)
Date of birth: 07 Jul 1953
Term

Start (and end) of the term of the Speaker

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10 Mar 2016
Additional information

Elected on 10 March 2016, re-elected on 15 Sep. 2020.

Historical data for Speaker

Historical data for Speaker
Updated at Speaker
2025-09
Official title

The Speaker may for example be known as the Presiding Officer, President, Chairman/Chairperson, etc.

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President of the Senate
Speaker
Thomas Tavares-Finson (Male)
Date of birth: 07 Jul 1953
Term

Start (and end) of the term of the Speaker

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10 Mar 2016
Additional information

Elected on 10 March 2016, re-elected on 15 Sep. 2020 and 18 Sep. 2025.
-
Official title

The Speaker may for example be known as the Presiding Officer, President, Chairman/Chairperson, etc.

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President of the Senate
Speaker
Thomas Tavares-Finson (Male)
Date of birth: 07 Jul 1953
Term

Start (and end) of the term of the Speaker

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10 Mar 2016
Additional information

Elected on 10 March 2016, re-elected on 15 Sep. 2020.
Official title

This post is most commonly called Secretary General or Clerk. It may also be called Secretary, Head/Chief of the Secretariat, Director General, etc.

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Clerk to the Houses of Parliament
Secretary General
Colleen Lowe (Female)
Term

Start (and end) of the term of the Secretary general

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08 Apr 2024
Notes

Additional information about the Secretary General, in particular regarding their term.

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Appointed on 8 April 2024.
Official title

This post is most commonly called Secretary General or Clerk. It may also be called Secretary, Head/Chief of the Secretariat, Director General, etc.

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Clerk to the Houses
Secretary General
No information available
The post of Secretary General is currently vacant
Yes
Notes

Additional information about the Secretary General, in particular regarding their term.

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Appointed on 23 July 2021.
Official title

This post is most commonly called Secretary General or Clerk. It may also be called Secretary, Head/Chief of the Secretariat, Director General, etc.

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Clerk to the Houses
Secretary General
Valrie Curtis (Female)
Term

Start (and end) of the term of the Secretary general

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23 Jul 2021 to 06 Apr 2024
Notes

Additional information about the Secretary General, in particular regarding their term.

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Appointed on 23 July 2021.

Historical data for Secretary general

Historical data for Secretary general
Updated at Secretary general
2024-04
Official title

This post is most commonly called Secretary General or Clerk. It may also be called Secretary, Head/Chief of the Secretariat, Director General, etc.

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Clerk to the Houses of Parliament
Secretary General
Colleen Lowe (Female)
Term

Start (and end) of the term of the Secretary general

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08 Apr 2024
Notes

Additional information about the Secretary General, in particular regarding their term.

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Appointed on 8 April 2024.
2024-04
Official title

This post is most commonly called Secretary General or Clerk. It may also be called Secretary, Head/Chief of the Secretariat, Director General, etc.

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Clerk to the Houses
Secretary General
No information available
The post of Secretary General is currently vacant
Yes
Notes

Additional information about the Secretary General, in particular regarding their term.

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Appointed on 23 July 2021.
2021-07
Official title

This post is most commonly called Secretary General or Clerk. It may also be called Secretary, Head/Chief of the Secretariat, Director General, etc.

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Clerk to the Houses
Secretary General
Valrie Curtis (Female)
Term

Start (and end) of the term of the Secretary general

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23 Jul 2021 to 06 Apr 2024
Notes

Additional information about the Secretary General, in particular regarding their term.

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Appointed on 23 July 2021.

Historical data for Statutory number of members

Historical data for Statutory number of members
Updated at Statutory number of members Notes
2016-03 21 Appointed by the Governor General.
2016-01 21 Appointed by the Governor General.
2007-09 21 Appointed by the Governor General.
2007-01 21 Appointed by the Governor General.
2005-01 21 Appointed by the Governor General.

Historical data for Current number of members

Historical data for Current number of members
Updated at Current number of members
2025-12 21
2025-09 21
2024-12 20
1967-01 21

Historical data for Men

Historical data for Men
Updated at Men
2025-12 13
2025-09 14
2024-12 12
2020-09 13

Historical data for Women

Historical data for Women
Updated at Women
2025-12 8
2025-09 7
2020-09 8
2016-03 5
2014-01 6
2012-01 5
2007-09 2
2007-01 3
2002-10 4
1999-01 3
1998-01 5
1993-01 3
1989-01 4
1983-01 3
1980-01 4
1972-01 3
1967-01 2

Historical data for Percentage of women

Historical data for Percentage of women
Updated at Percentage of women
2025-12 38.1%
2025-09 33.3%
2024-12 40.0%
2020-09 38.1%
2016-03 23.8%
2014-01 28.6%
2012-01 23.8%
2007-09 9.5%
2007-01 14.3%
2002-10 19.0%
1999-01 14.3%
1998-01 23.8%
1993-01 14.3%
1989-01 19.0%
1983-01 14.3%
1980-01 19.0%
1972-01 14.3%
1967-01 9.5%

Historical data for Statutory number of members per country

Historical data for Statutory number of members per country
Updated at Statutory number of members per country
2016-03 84
2016-01 84
2007-09 84
2007-01 84
2005-01 84

Historical data for Population (in thousands)

Historical data for Population (in thousands)
Updated at Population (in thousands)
2023-01 2,840
2022-01 2,839
2021-01 2,838
2015-01 2,872
2014-01 2,862
2013-01 2,852
2012-01 2,841
2011-01 2,829
2010-01 2,817
2009-01 2,804
2008-01 2,790
2007-01 2,775
2006-01 2,760
2005-01 2,745
2004-01 2,729
2003-01 2,713
2002-01 2,695
2001-01 2,677
2000-01 2,657
1999-01 2,635
1998-01 2,611
1997-01 2,587
1996-01 2,562
1995-01 2,537
1994-01 2,513
1993-01 2,489
1992-01 2,465
1991-01 2,444
1990-01 2,424
1989-01 2,408
1988-01 2,394
1987-01 2,379
1986-01 2,362
1985-01 2,339
1984-01 2,309
1983-01 2,274
1982-01 2,235
1981-01 2,198
1980-01 2,163
1979-01 2,133
1978-01 2,106
1977-01 2,081
1976-01 2,055
1975-01 2,028
1974-01 1,998
1973-01 1,967
1972-01 1,935
1971-01 1,904
1970-01 1,875
1969-01 1,849
1968-01 1,826
1967-01 1,803
1966-01 1,780
1965-01 1,756
1964-01 1,730
1963-01 1,703
1962-01 1,676
1961-01 1,651
1960-01 1,628
1959-01 1,609
1958-01 1,592
1957-01 1,575
1956-01 1,559
1955-01 1,541
1954-01 1,520
1953-01 1,496
1952-01 1,468
1951-01 1,437
1945-01 1,403

Historical data for Inhabitants per parliamentarian

Historical data for Inhabitants per parliamentarian
Updated at Inhabitants per parliamentarian
2023-01 33,810
2022-01 33,798
2021-01 33,786
2016-03 34,190
2016-01 34,190
2015-01 34,190
2014-01 34,071
2013-01 33,952
2012-01 33,821
2011-01 33,679
2010-01 33,536
2009-01 33,381
2008-01 33,214
2007-09 33,036
2007-01 33,036
2006-01 32,857
2005-01 32,679

Historical data for Average age of all members

Historical data for Average age of all members
Updated at Average age of all members
2025-09 No information available
2020-09 49.9
2016-03 No information available
2012-01 48.5

Historical data for Members for whom data is available

Historical data for Members for whom data is available
Updated at Members for whom data is available
2025-09 No information available
2020-09 17
2016-03 17

Historical data for Members for whom age data is not available

Historical data for Members for whom age data is not available
Updated at Members for whom age data is not available
2025-09 No information available
2020-09 4
Youngest member
Gabriela Julaine Sabrine Morris (Female)
Youngest member (years)

Age is calculated at the time the member was elected/appointed to a new legislature. Data is not updated during the legislature unless the member is no longer a member.

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23
Youngest member
Grace Imani Duncan-Price (Female)
Youngest member (years)

Age is calculated at the time the member was elected/appointed to a new legislature. Data is not updated during the legislature unless the member is no longer a member.

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35

Historical data for Youngest member

Historical data for Youngest member
Updated at Youngest member
2025-09 No information available
2020-09
Youngest member
Gabriela Julaine Sabrine Morris (Female)
Youngest member (years)

Age is calculated at the time the member was elected/appointed to a new legislature. Data is not updated during the legislature unless the member is no longer a member.

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23
2016-03
Youngest member
Grace Imani Duncan-Price (Female)
Youngest member (years)

Age is calculated at the time the member was elected/appointed to a new legislature. Data is not updated during the legislature unless the member is no longer a member.

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35
Oldest member
Navel Foster Clarke (Male)
Oldest member (years)

Age is calculated at the time the member was elected/appointed to a new legislature. Data is not updated during the legislature unless the member is no longer a member.

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74

Historical data for Oldest member

Historical data for Oldest member
Updated at Oldest member
2020-09 No information available
2016-03
Oldest member
Navel Foster Clarke (Male)
Oldest member (years)

Age is calculated at the time the member was elected/appointed to a new legislature. Data is not updated during the legislature unless the member is no longer a member.

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74
Breakdown of members by age and gender
18 - 20 21 - 30 31 - 40 41 - 45 46 - 50 51 - 60 61 - 70 71 - 80 81 - 90 91 and over Totals per gender
Male 0 0 3 1 0 4 2 1 0 0 11
Female 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 6
Totals per age interval 0 1 4 2 2 4 3 1 0 0 17
Total <= 45: 7 Total >= 46: 10
Percentage of members, by age
Age at the last election or renewal Overall Male Female
Percentage of MPs 30 years of age or younger

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 5.9% 0.0% 5.9%
Percentage of MPs 40 years of age or younger

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 29.4% 18% 11.8%
Percentage of MPs 45 years of age or younger

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 41.2% 24% 17.6%
Breakdown of members by age and gender
18 - 20 21 - 30 31 - 40 41 - 45 46 - 50 51 - 60 61 - 70 71 - 80 81 - 90 91 and over Totals per gender
Male 0 0 3 1 2 5 3 2 0 0 16
Female 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Totals per age interval 0 0 4 1 2 5 3 2 0 0 17
Total <= 45: 5 Total >= 46: 12
Percentage of members, by age
Age at the last election or renewal Overall Male Female
Percentage of MPs 30 years of age or younger

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 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Percentage of MPs 40 years of age or younger

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 23.5% 18% 5.9%
Percentage of MPs 45 years of age or younger

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 29.4% 24% 5.9%

Historical data for Breakdown of members by age and sex

Historical data for Breakdown of members by age and sex
Updated at Breakdown of members by age and sex
2025-09 No information available
2020-09
Breakdown of members by age and gender
18 - 20 21 - 30 31 - 40 41 - 45 46 - 50 51 - 60 61 - 70 71 - 80 81 - 90 91 and over Totals per gender
Male 0 0 3 1 0 4 2 1 0 0 11
Female 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 6
Totals per age interval 0 1 4 2 2 4 3 1 0 0 17
Total <= 45: 7 Total >= 46: 10
Percentage of members, by age
Age at the last election or renewal Overall Male Female
Percentage of MPs 30 years of age or younger

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 5.9% 0.0% 5.9%
Percentage of MPs 40 years of age or younger

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 29.4% 18% 11.8%
Percentage of MPs 45 years of age or younger

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 41.2% 24% 17.6%
2016-03
Breakdown of members by age and gender
18 - 20 21 - 30 31 - 40 41 - 45 46 - 50 51 - 60 61 - 70 71 - 80 81 - 90 91 and over Totals per gender
Male 0 0 3 1 2 5 3 2 0 0 16
Female 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Totals per age interval 0 0 4 1 2 5 3 2 0 0 17
Total <= 45: 5 Total >= 46: 12
Percentage of members, by age
Age at the last election or renewal Overall Male Female
Percentage of MPs 30 years of age or younger

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 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Percentage of MPs 40 years of age or younger

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 23.5% 18% 5.9%
Percentage of MPs 45 years of age or younger

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 29.4% 24% 5.9%

Historical data for Percentage of MPs 30 years of age or younger

Historical data for Percentage of MPs 30 years of age or younger
Updated at Percentage of MPs 30 years of age or younger
2025-09 No information available
2020-09 5.9%
2016-03 0.0%