arbitral tribunal "arbitral tribunal" means a sole arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators. (2) For the purposes of this Act— (a) in the definition of "international arbitration"— (i) where a party has more than one place of business, reference to the place of business is that which has the closest relationship to the arbitration agreement; or (ii) where a party does not have a place of business, reference to the place of business is that party’s habitual residence; (b) where a provision of this Act, except sections 3, leaves the parties free to determine a certain issue, such freedom shall include the right of the parties to authorize a third party, including an institution, to determine that issue; [Am. Act A1395:s.2] (c) where a provision of this Act refers to the fact that the parties have agreed or that they may agree or in any other way refers to an agreement of the parties, that agreement shall include any arbitration rules referred to in that agreement; (d) where a provision of this Act refers to a claim, other than in paragraphs 27(a) and 34(2)(a), it shall also apply to a counterclaim, and where it refers to a defence, it shall also apply to a defence to that counterclaim. ACT 646 - ARBITRATION ACT 2005 2. Interpretation.