under the 1959 constitution there was an elected legislative council (), but only one election has ever been held, in 1962. soon after that election, the assembly was dissolved following the declaration of a state of emergency, which saw the banning of the brunei people's party. in 1970 the council was changed to an appointed body by decree of the sultan. in 2004 the sultan announced that for the next parliament, 15 of the 20 seats would be elected. however, no date for the election has been set.