Ghana in Search of Regional Integration Agenda 49 In terms of the Parliament's jurisdictional competences, powers and functions, it is purely an advisory body. Under Article 6(2) of the 1994 Protocol, the opinion of the Parliament is sought in the following areas: interconnection of the communications links between member states; interconnection of telecommunications system, interconnection of energy networks; increased cooperation in the area of radio, television and other media links; public health policies of the community; common educational policy; youth and sports; scientific and technological research; community policy on the environment; treaty review; community citizenship; social integration; and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in all their plenitude. Representation in the Community Parliament, until such time that it begins to work through direct universal adult suffrage, consists of elected members of the national assemblies or equivalent institutions. The length of representation in the Community Parliament is for a period of five years from the day of swearing-in to the end of the life of the parliament. The credentials of all appointed representatives are screened and validated by the parliament. In the event of death or resignation, their mandate as members is terminated. Representatives not re-elected in their national assemblies can remain in office during the transitional period until new representatives from the various member countries take up their seats. Sessions of parliament are of two kinds: Ordinary and Extra-Ordinary. Ordinary sessions are convened twice a year(May and September) but each of these sessions cannot exceed a period of three months. Extra-ordinary sessions can be conveyed at the initiative of the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government or at the request of an absolute majority of member-states to deliberate on a specific issue only, and should not exceed fifteen(15) days. While all sessions are to be held at the seat of Parliament, thus Abuja, Parliament may decide to hold some of its meetings in any other member state. Article 9 of the Protocol provides protection for all representatives in the conduct of their duties. It stipulates that no representative is liable to prosecution, summons, arrests, detention or sentence on account of opinion expressed or vote cast in the course of deliberations. The immunity clause covers both parliamentary sessions and recess, under which member-states are enjoined to refrain from effecting the arrest and prosecution of members, even in criminal matters unless clearance is sought from parliament. 68 68 It is stipulated in the Protocol establishing the Community Parliament that the application of“flagrante delicto” shall be the only exception to the injunction guaranteeing immunity to representatives.