The Pan-African Parliament, is the legislative body of the African Union. The Pan African Parliament held its inaugural session on 18 March 2004. At present it exercises oversight, and has advisory and consultative powers provided for in current Protocol which is being revised to empower the Parliament to exercise full legislative powers. Its Parliamentary representatives are elected by the legislatures of the Member States. However, when the amendment of the Protocol is finalized and adopted, Members of the continental Parliament shall be elected by adult suffrage.