Lawmakers in the Upper House are elected every three years, with half the 242 seats up for grabs each time. Those elected serve a six-year term.

Unlike the Lower House, which is more powerful, the Upper House is never dissolved for an election and its members serve out their terms.

Under the Constitution, the Lower House is granted more power and its decision takes precedence over that made by the Upper House, as it reflects the will of the people more directly with its members serving for a shorter period than Upper House members.