A/HRC//18/42 41. Mechanisms that guarantee the representation of indigenous peoples in State parliaments can provide an important opportunity for indigenous peoples to participate in and influence decision-making on a range of issues. For example, in New Zealand, the Maori have had guaranteed representation in Parliament since 1867. Anyone of Maori descent can choose to be on either the Maori electoral roll or the general electoral roll. Since 1996, the number of Maori seats in the House varies according to the proportion of Maori registered on the Maori electoral roll compared to the general electoral roll. Currently, there are seven Maori seats in the House. The House of Representatives also has a Maori Affairs Select Committee, to which the House may refer any issue with implications for the Maori.22 Similarly, in Burundi, the Batwa have permanent seats in the National Assembly, in both houses, and there has been guaranteed Batwa representation on the National Land Commission.23 42. In the Khanty-Mansiysky Autonomous Region of the Russian Federation, an Assembly of Indigenous Peoples is part of the structure of the regional Duma (parliament). The region has a legislated quota of indigenous representation.24 Another positive solution at the provincial level is the additional guarantee of Nenetz direct representation in the relevant autonomous okrug (district).25 43. Proportional representation electoral systems can assist in the election of indigenous individuals to State parliaments, as seen under, for example, the interim Constitution of Nepal.26 However, measures may also be needed to ensure that the election of indigenous individuals translates into influence in decision-making. 44. The Greenland branch of the Inuit circumpolar Council, which represents the indigenous peoples of Greenland, cooperates closely with the Government of Greenland to establish better hearing and consultation mechanisms with regard to oil and gas exploration projects, mining projects and other mega-industries in Greenland. Moreover, while any 22 23 24 25 26 12 See contribution of New Zealand to the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2010 session, available from www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/indigenous/ExpertMechanism/3rd/contributions.htm. Constitution of Burundi, as referred to by the Indigenous Peoples of Africa Co-ordinating Committee; see www.ipacc.org.za/eng/default.asp. See also Minority Rights Group International, Burundi, available from www.minorityrights.org/?lid=4703&tmpl=printpage. A/HRC/15/37/Add.5. See also Kathrin Wessendorf, An Indigenous Parliament? Realities and Perspectives in Russia and the Circumpolar North (International Work Group of Indigenous Affairs, April 2005). Ibid. A/HRC/12/34/Add.3.