prorogatio

Prorogatio is a Latin term (from prorogare, to prolong or extend) used in law and political theory to denote the extension of a political or administrative mandate beyond its normally prescribed term. It refers to the act or result of prolonging the duration of an office, the term of a government, or the jurisdiction of an authority through a formal legal instrument or transitional arrangement.

In practice, prorogatio arises when elections, constitutional changes, or institutional reorganizations cannot proceed on the originally scheduled timetable. It can be effected by statutes, constitutional provisions, executive decrees, or other legally recognized means that extend the current mandate or authority. The aim is to maintain continuity of governance while a transition is completed or an impasse is resolved.

Prorogatio is distinct from dissolution or termination of office, since it involves extending the existing authority rather than ending it. As such, it often raises questions about democratic legitimacy, accountability, and checks and balances, because it temporarily postpones a standard electoral or appointment process.

The legality and scope of prorogatio vary by jurisdiction and constitutional framework. Some systems provide explicit provisions to permit limited extensions under specified conditions, while others restrict extensions or prohibit them altogether. Scholarly discussions typically emphasize clear legal basis, defined duration, oversight mechanisms, and safeguards against abuse to ensure legitimacy and transparency during any prorogation. See also: prorogation, extension of term, transitional government, emergency powers.